Only African American Nurse on Staff

Nurses Relations

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I need advice from you guys. I am working as a charge nurse/supervisor in a LTC facility. The dilemma is that I am the only African American Nurse on staff. I have had several staff members volunteer to me that they are not prejudiced because a black family moved into their neighborhood when they were teenagers or that they went to school with a black person, and they turned out to be really nice people. When I make a comment about something that happens there is one particular staff member (my peer) that will say "You know that happened because your black" and laugh. They have made this comment around a room full of people at times, and it is embarrassing. The other issue is that they are taking things that I say and reporting to my other peers that I was angry when I wasn't, and include comments that I may have made but attach it to the fact that I was supposedly angry to change the message. I recently was confronted about being angry about something that was passed on to me, when in reality I was speaking to one of the only nurses that I could talk to and the conversation was about, how I could present help to someone with the knowledge that I have to help them understand a skill that they are unfamiliar with. I am a very friendly outgoing person, but I have been keeping to myself to avoid the drama, yet I still get put into the drama. I need this job to pay bills, and I am looking for another job. I need ideas and some options, I don't want to make my family suffer financially: yet this environment is making me nervous. I don't say anything negative about anyone, and I don't add to the gossip; especially since I know my comments will be distorted. I recently just finished school and I need money to pay for expenses related to that. Any advice guys?

Thank you. When I go to work, I keep my family in mind. I posted this because I needed to share and also I wanted to say, that we all have a story and a journey. This is something that hurts me to my core, but I will never let my peers know this. Nurses are great people, but we all may have had our moments at one time or another that we may have said something negative about one of our peers. Many of our peers that hear these comments repeat them. You never know how these things after they are repeated will make someone feel. It would be nice if in addition to being great in our jobs, we would be kinder to each other. Take a moment to think if I were in so and so's shoes would I be hurt by the comments that I want to say. I personally will not allow myself to become angry or resentful about this situation because it takes up time and space in my life, this is another learning experience for me. I am also glad that I don't have the character of these individuals. I can forgive but forgetting is another ballgame.

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

Please get out of that environment immediately! What you are describing is very disturbing. You may even want to discuss your situation with an employee rights attorney. Since it sounds like you are a Christian, I suggest reading Psalm 16:8, my go- to scripture when I am in a difficult situation. Hold your head high, be the competent nurse that you are, and talk to a lawyer. Your supervisor should be reprimanded for calling you names, that is completely inappropriate and unacceptable! I am praying for you to stay strong during this time!

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It's inexcusable and embarrassing to the nursing profession either way but since I've joined I've read umpteen posts of poor treatment of the new nurse hired.

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Specializes in CCM, PHN.

I feel you, OP. I too have almost always been a target of this weird, passive form of racism, in my workplaces and outside the workplace. People think they are making conversation....and have NO idea they are spewing ignorant, harmful stupidity. Be strong. Get another job, move, or whatever you have to to get out of there.

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That sounds really horrible. Are you sure this is an area that you want to live in? All you can do is remain strong and be your best person until you can get out of there. I would try not to burn any bridges even though these people are jerks...when you give them your notice I would say that you got a great offer somewhere else and leave it at that. These people sound scary and they might escalate if you confront them.

Best of luck to you.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

YOur supervisor called you an *******?? I would report them.

I am not black I have no idea how you feel but you do not have to tolerate this behavior. Start looking for another position. Keep your head under the radar. Clearly there is a culture at this place....let them wallow in their misery.

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

OP, you are the kind of nurse I would be thrilled to work with- you are clearly a sensitive individual with your family's best interest at heart. I wish I could make all of the injustice in our world go away. There is still so much fear and ignorance out there that contributes to racial tensions. I am praying for you. Be strong!

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I'm sorry that you are experiencing this at work.

I think that the ones who try to show that aren't racist by telling you why they aren't, are coming from a good place but they don't realize the implication and how it could be hurtful to you. The one who jokes with you "it's because your black" isn't funny because you don't think it's funny. I've seen BFFs in movies as well in real life joke like that, but they truly had a close relationship.

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I can feel the angst. I actually almost got a panic attack again just thinking about. This is the kind of thing I experienced in college and sensed in college and never wanted to experience again. I lived and grew up in an area where I didn't experience that kind of nonsense so to actually experience it was a major "culture shock" to say the least. Some parts of the U.S is still terribly backward towards race. Ugh!

I hope you get out and soon.

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I was thinking the same thing. What supervisor opens their mouth to say that? Absolutely no class and to put that in quote is not you "being angry".

YOur supervisor called you an *******?? I would report them.

I am not black I have no idea how you feel but you do not have to tolerate this behavior. Start looking for another position. Keep your head under the radar. Clearly there is a culture at this place....let them wallow in their misery.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
I'm sorry that you are experiencing this at work.

I think that the ones who try to show that aren't racist by telling you why they aren't, are coming from a good place but they don't realize the implication and how it could be hurtful to you. The one who jokes with you "it's because your black" isn't funny because you don't think it's funny. I've seen BFFs in movies as well in real life joke like that, but they truly had a close relationship.

I agree, and although it is still totally inappropriate my guess would be they are trying to show you they aren't racist despite sounding like totally racist morons with those ignorant comments. In any event I would try to find another job because that just isn't an atmosphere I'd like to work in no matter what color skin.

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I know this sounds bad but I avoid management about being discriminated with. They aren't going to do much and since ur the only African American any in service about race in the work place will make obvious it's about you.

I've grown up being the only black person in any situation so I've learned how to deal with this situation. ou kinda have to keep being you in order to change people's stereotypes. But if u don't feel comfortable there then fund another job but come up with a reason you want to leave when other employers asl

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