I am interested in taking a travel assignment in either Memphis or Nashville and was interested in knowing if any black nurses could tell me how their experience went. The reason why I ask is because I have heard some horror stories about how black nurses are treated in the south. For that reason alone I tend to stick to the east coast and california. My daughter is attending college in Tn and I would like to be close to her especially around the holidays.
I am currently on a travel assignment in Memphis and plan on relocating to the area. I have heard the rumors that Memphis is pretty racist both ways. I am a white nurse. I have only been at the hospital for a couple of weeks. The majority of all employees at this particular hospital are black, including nurses. I have not personally seen any evidence of racism either way yet. The majority of all employees have been very welcoming and makes me appreciative to be back in the South and soaking up Southern Hospitality. I would think that you might experience more problems from older patients than co-workers.
THANK GOD!!! THERE ARE BALCK NURSES! Lol. I'm on my 7th travel assignment & the only place I've seen black nurses were in Chicago. I'm always aware that the places I choose to travel probably will not have black nurses. So far I've been treated well everywhere I've been. I haven't encountered any racism (Thank GOD) but I am over joyed to see African American Nurses. There is one black nurse here in Reno (I was so happy to see her!), she just relocated here from Mississippi. Each place I worked there was at least one African American OB/GYN and in Chicago there were 6. I was pretty excited about that. I guess I need to get out a little more b/c now I know there are more of us out there just not in OK, NV, WA & KS! (no offense to the African American nurses in those states....we're just few & far between especially in L&D).
Where everyone assumes you are a CNA, without even asking the new face who they are or reading my ID, they just KNOW what your there to do.
OH MY GOSH! Lol that happened to me the other day. Out of control labor pt, I missed the IV start b/c she was jumping out the bed...they later had a compliant about the "little black phlebotomist"! Lol and to make it even worse they were black patients. They were so out of control I decided to take a back seat and let the "real nurses" handle it. After she delivered the OB doctor told her she missed on a great experience b/c that "little black phlebotomist" was the best nurse in the room. Lol.
I am a black ICU nurse and there are few places I have traveled to where there are more than 3 of us it seems. And yes they seem to think I am a CNA or something other than a RN. LOL. It is kinda of sad really.I have never worked in Memphis but I friend Erica is from there and she worked in Trauma for years there and loved it.
Thank God there are black travel nurses...I did some travelling a year ago mostly in NJ and DC as a tele nurse. For the past year, I did some ICU staff and ready to do travelling again. Racism is everywhere. But I stopped caring about it...I just do my job to the best of my ability and move on...i think travelling is better than staff RN from my experience in terms of racism...what do u guys think?
I am a black Travel nurse and yes, there is the racism as spoken about earlier where they think that you are the CNA. I have only been to NC. I mostly travel on the east coast. Believe it or not, I also had to deal with black CNAs being racist toward me as a black RN. So it racism comes not only from white patients or staff but also from black staff. But truth in fact, being a travel nurse has to be one with a very strong personality to be able to pick up and go to a different city, so dealing with any racism that you may encounter takes that same strong personality. I have also dealt with subtle racism in NY. It is all about how you deal with it.
I am a black travel nurse, although Ive never worked in the south. I definitly think you bring up a good issue that can be a problem. I find it very amusing how white nurses feel as if they can give you insight on this issue. The best way to get the info you seek is to speak candidly with black nurses at the hospitals in which you may want to work. Ive worked in mostly black cities, that doesnt mean your coworkers are going to be black or not be racist. Working in Washington DC I was definitly the minority on my unit even though the majority of the DC population is black. So even though Memphis may have a greater population of black people, dont be fooled. Working out in California I experienced quite a bit of racism/prejudice. It wasnt the outright, blatant racism, but the more subtle kind. Where everyone assumes you are a CNA, without even asking the new face who they are or reading my ID, they just KNOW what your there to do. Asking me if im from south central. Things like coworkers(nurses/MDs) not listening or taking your opinion/assessments on a pt seriously unless someone of another race confirmed what youve said, etc.I think you can encounter racism any state of this country you go. No one likes to be open and honest about that. This is just the crap you have to put up with being a black professional in the US. God Bless America.
Hi There: This was very well said. Racism is brushed under the rug and it definitely exist. I am replying in 2011 to this note, and I hope you get it. I have really been troubled with this issue and it definitely exist in Northern CA. I too get really excited when I see fellow black nurses. From nursing school to date, I have had much success, but as I moved up the ladder, I experienced more racism. As a black, african american nurse, I take pride in working with other nurses who can attest or simply make me feel better within the environment. I have experienced situations where a new set of rules are used for me to adhere to and other counterparts just have smooth sailing at work. I would love to communicate to you personally, because i don't mean to bash anyone, but the truth is, I have worked in many areas, and unless diversity exist, there truly is the black spot in the middle of the white cotton feeling. I worked as a PHN in Yuba County CA last and I was made to feel as if I didn't know much at all, mind you that PHNs in CA do non medical services and make home visits and refer clients to services. I happened to be the only black nurse there and I was the only black nurse at another local county agency. I am inspired by you and I will continue to search for employment at diverse companies. I feel it makes it easier for other nationalities to relate to each other and lets them know that we can do exactly what they can do given the same respect, time and consideration.
I am a RN 1/2 Hispanic, 1/2 German. I am blond with blue eyes. Well, I experienced the worst reverse racisim ever in Southern CA at a big well known hospital in their Psych ER. I was the only white person working there except for the Docs and LAPD that brought the patients in. All other staff was Black and black from Nigeria. They treated me like a dog. When I'd walk on that unit I could feel the hate. I will never, ever forget that experience. I had no recourse, the manager was Nigerian, the HR dept was run by Nigerians. It was a real eye opener. I spent 3 years serving our country in the US Army and experienced the same reverse racism. It's ugly, and it's changed my perspective on how the world operates.
FFFRN
10 Posts
Well Stated Jazzy , God Bless America Indeed