MNA and Nurses Respond to the Killing of George Floyd by Police

As a nurse, what is your first reaction as you hear those words?

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MNA and Nurses Respond to the Killing of George Floyd by Police

We have all seen on the news the terrible scene that played out in the streets in Minnesota when George Floyd, an unarmed 46-year-old black male, was arrested by the Minnesota Police for attempted forgery at a convenience store. The action was caught on video as George Floyd, handcuffed and pinned to the ground face down by an officer who pressed with his full weight with his knee on Mr. Floyd's neck for more than 8 minutes. We watched and heard George Floyd crying out that he couldn't breathe. We heard him calling for "Mama". We watched as his body went limp with the officer still holding him down. This will be a scene I shall never forget.

The following are quotes from the Minnesota Nurses Association's response to this heinous crime.

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As nurses, we see the horrific effects of racism in our hospitals and community every day. We cannot remain silent as yet another black man has died at the hands of police...

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George Floyd's last words were "I can't breathe.” George Floyd died shortly after arriving at the hospital."

Nurses jump into action when they hear someone say "I can't breathe", instead of standing there watching them die. Their goal is to save lives, not kill people

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In the case of George Floyd, Minneapolis Police took no care or life-saving measures. Instead, they left him pinned down to the ground until paramedics arrived. Police ignored the pleas of George Floyd and he died.

Nurses care for all patients, regardless of their gender, race, religion or other status. We expect the same from the police. Unfortunately, nurses continue to see the devastating effects of systematic racism and oppression targeting people of color in our communities. We demand justice for George Floyd and a stop to the unnecessary death of black men at the hands of those who should protect them.

As a nurse, or as a compassionate human, how has this horrific event affected you? We have seen protests (some peaceful and some that have erupted into riots), vandalism, looting, and more. What is going on in your community? What actions can nurses take?

Let us stand together and let our voices be heard. Post your comments below.

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tnbutterfly - Mary

About tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN

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Specializes in Programming / Strategist for allnurses.

WOW! All this for a pack of cigarettes?

George Floyd allegedly tried to pass a counterfeit $20 bill. Did he create it? Was it passed to him by another? We will never know.

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Specializes in Programming / Strategist for allnurses.

LIVE video on protesters

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Specializes in Programming / Strategist for allnurses.

Nurses supporting protesters in New York..

Healthcare workers taking a knee #BlackLivesMatter...

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This isn't just about Floyd, hence why things have gone as far as they have (1 of the reasons).

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I just wish there was more outrage regarding non-black police killings that happen much more than you think (actually the majority). I can think of several egregious episodes over the last few years that barely made the news. Selective outrage in any situation just doesn't sit well with me, and its concerning that it takes something like this for the public to be concerned en masse.

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7 hours ago, Numenor said:

I just wish there was more outrage regarding non-black police killings that happen much more than you think (actually the majority). I can think of several egregious episodes over the last few years that barely made the news. Selective outrage in any situation just doesn't sit well with me, and its concerning that it takes something like this for the public to be concerned en masse.

Society always focuses on blk and white issues, makes it seem like these are the only races that exist at times.

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Specializes in Programming / Strategist for allnurses.

Worldwide Floyd Outrage Goes Global!

https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2020-06-02/demonstrators-abroad-identify-with-the-cause-of-us-protests

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Riots cured covid

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Specializes in school nurse.
2 hours ago, Iluvboba said:

Riots cured covid

Is this supposed to be funny?

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I commend you for bravery in talking about a very difficult topic. I believe it is so necessary to take this seriously and look at the racism still happening in our culture today. However, the quotes in the post seem to paint nurses as angels and police officers as the problem. Sure, we take care of patients of all races everyday. But we need to have the courage to look harder at ourselves: am I more likely to stereotype the young black man in the ER? am I more likely to call security on black patients? Maybe the answer is no, but the point is, we need to listen and take the opportunity to grown on a personal level rather than just point at others. I'm not suggesting that you are blaming others or not taking responsibility, I don't know what is in your heart or mind. Just wanted to say that the quotes used in the post made me feel like the nurse's union was avoiding looking at their own prejudices.

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Specializes in Sm Bus Mgmt, Operations, Planning, HR, Coaching.

I just hope and pray that change comes about and solutions are found to bridge the gap. More opportunities are needed for all races to achieve success. This has to start with change in thinking from average Americans, and not just the minorities. How about housing that the average American can afford, lets start there.

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