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.
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.
Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.
3 hours ago, Daisy4RN said:
I wouldnt worry about it too much. There are people on here who are totally full of bologna who enjoy gaslighting. We all say things we regret at times bc we are all human. (And if people don't then I guess they are not human LOL). Please do continue to share your many years of experience with other nurses, I know they appreciate it!
Most of the baloney offered up in this thread was in the form of racially insensitive language following the conviction of a murderer. Pretending that racism isn't a problem in this country is, in fact, a type of gas lighting.
Specializes in Community Health, Med/Surg, ICU Stepdown.
2 hours ago, toomuchbaloney said:
Most of the baloney offered up in this thread was in the form of racially insensitive language following the conviction of a murderer. Pretending that racism isn't a problem in this country is, in fact, a type of gas lighting.
Agreed! But I will also leave the thread. Arguing on the internet will change anyone's mind, and makes me feel frustrated. In another thread someone pointed out that there are better ways to support causes we believe in, such as volunteering, donating, and protesting. I will go back to doing these things instead of being a "keyboard warrior." I still stand behind everything I said, but will follow the clinical threads or more lighthearted threads, and express/defend political views in the real world. To all those allnurses members who acknowledge racism exists and are working to combat it, thanks for all you do! LibraNurse out ?
Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.
47 minutes ago, LibraNurse27 said:
Agreed! But I will also leave the thread. Arguing on the internet will change anyone's mind, and makes me feel frustrated. In another thread someone pointed out that there are better ways to support causes we believe in, such as volunteering, donating, and protesting. I will go back to doing these things instead of being a "keyboard warrior." I still stand behind everything I said, but will follow the clinical threads or more lighthearted threads, and express/defend political views in the real world. To all those allnurses members who acknowledge racism exists and are working to combat it, thanks for all you do! LibraNurse out ?
That's fine.
I just can't read racist based or inspired content and let it go unchallenged. Unchallenged racism in forums like AN makes me uncomfortable. If those ideas and that language and thinking is not challenged then it assumes the veneer of acceptability or normalcy and that's how we get to and maintain systemic and institutionalized racism.
I appreciate the preference to avoid these threads. This is a stressful time and stress in this area can be avoided...it's not compulsory. Thanks for the moral support!
Shrugs. The truth according to his emotionally charged assessment.
Do you live in the inner city? I don't currently but I have and if you experienced what I have you would understand what this man is talking about. I have also worked in the inner city. Trust me, what he is saying is all facts.
Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.
2 hours ago, Workitinurfava said:
Do you live in the inner city? I don't currently but I have and if you experienced what I have you would understand what this man is talking about. I have also worked in the inner city. Trust me, what he is saying is all facts.
Shrugs
The fellow gave us video evidence that his anger and emotions direct his words and actions, even when he knows that people are watching. That's not evidence of professional conduct or training.
Specializes in Mental Health, Gerontology, Palliative.
16 minutes ago, toomuchbaloney said:
Shrugs
The fellow gave us video evidence that his anger and emotions direct his words and actions, even when he knows that people are watching. That's not evidence professional conduct or training.
Kind of makes one wonder. If thats how they act in public, how do they act in private when they think no ones watching
toomuchbaloney
16,094 Posts
Most of the baloney offered up in this thread was in the form of racially insensitive language following the conviction of a murderer. Pretending that racism isn't a problem in this country is, in fact, a type of gas lighting.
Denying Racism And Other Forms Of Gaslighting