Only African American Nurse on Staff

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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?

Is the one who makes the statement "it's because you're black" also one of the stronger personalities? Could you genuinely tell her next time she says it that it hurts your feelings? And *look* hurt? Since they're already calling you angry I think you need to blow them away with being soft and vulnerable. NOT because you should have to but because it might work to change their perception and make them feel like crap without any sense of hostility from you. Go all doe eyed and shame them a bit.

Just an an idea to try before you leave.

Plus then you can say that you tried to tell her without hostility that it bothered you before going to mgmt/HR.

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Specializes in LTC/LTAC.

I do like this advice. Strategy is very important when dealing with irrational situations.

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I really do feel for you, and I know how it is to be around people who can't embrace other ethnicities and culture. I'm just a student, so don't fully take my word on it, but they're completely wrong and ignorant! Keep looking for other jobs! And if possible, talk to your boss or whomever is in charge. Let them know how you feel, and what's going on. Prejudice is something the hospital wants to avoid, because it's supposed to be an environment where people are their to help everyone, no matter what race or color.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
I know my life's story might have turned out very different if I had been born to two high-powered attorneys and raised in a wealthy suburb of DC.

I can only dream of how sweet this would have been, sigh.

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Every new charge nurse/supervisor, black or white, is challenged by those who were there "before" and don't like change..or think they know more than you do.

Your job is to stay above the fray and do the job you were hired to do.

Never socialize/gossip/discuss any employee with those you are paid to over see..that will surely get you in big trouble!

You make out the assignments and see that they are carried out. Conversation about race, good, bad, or indifferent should be squelched immediately with a simple, "This conversation is not appropriate in the workplace..if you'll excuse me, I'm busy" or "I'm sorry but I find this conversation offensive, please excuse me", and walk away. Repeat it as often as necessary! There will always be a 'drama queen', stirring up the 'subjects' against a new charge nurse/supervisor!

True story: (Only white, black staff...works both ways!) I had one job,second day, where the 'long term black queen and her consorts' left the floor, went to the DON and stated they were leaving unless I was fired! My 'sin' was 'changing everything'! Not quite, but I did insist they not sit on the beds and eat food from patients trays, whether the patient wanted it or not! (I check the trays for patient fluid intake etc! Besides State regulations prohibit it.) To diffuse the situation the DON called me to the office and suggested "I lighten up"! My response was simply that I was doing the job I was hired to do, and I'd be willing to resign if they could not accept that I run my floor with the patients' interest foremost..not the staff! She backed down!

True story: As a new charge nurse, I assigned a staff nurse to give her patient a whirlpool bath (MD Ordered daily) to a patient to heal a serious, painful bed sore. I reminded her during the day politely, twice, not to forget. Twenty minutes before shift change I asked if it had been done and she answered she'd do it tomorrow! Really? I calmly reached in the drawer, filled out an incident report for insubordination and gave it to her to sign. She said,...You are writing me up? I answered, 'Yes, but I'll be happy to tear it up if you get it done before you leave." Done! That went viral and established my expectations. My respect quotient sky rocketed and patient care along with it! Challenges to my authority disappeared.

You have to establish your parameters, language acceptable in your presence, and expectations, calmly and politely and let the chips fall where they may. That will always get you the respect you deserve despite the drama queens. No one fires a competent, conscientious nurse, doing her job, taking control of all aspects of her environment...and leading her staff!!

Hang in there...you'll find the same or another set of worse problems in the next job!

Demand respect through your actions.

Nothing is ever easy for a new employee when dealing with subordinates or peers..but you can do it!

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I spaced the important detail that you are the charge nurse, I take back my advice!

i would have to see where my supervisor stood and if I'd have backing before I did anything else.

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Have you met with your peers to specifically discuss this out in the open?

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Specializes in 3 years MS/Tele, 10 years total ICU, 5 travel.

OP, I may not have the right to respond to this, as I am not African American (or any other minority). But coming from a Caucasian point of view: some of your coworkers might not be trying to be offensive. I personally TRY to be sensitive and understand where my minority coworkers are coming from, but there have been a few times I've said something jokingly that I was told was a bit offensive. I was honestly shocked and fell all over myself to apologize, then make sure that I didn't say anything like it again, but it had to be pointed out to me because I truly didn't think it was anything beyond a casual comment or joke.

And in regards to the "Angry Black Female" stereotype... I have noticed that a fair percent of black females seem to have naturally louder voices than their other ethnic counterparts. Not that they are trying to be loud, just that it seems to be the natural timbre of their voice. It's not something that they can help, much less intentionally do, but it can make otherwise innocuous comments come across as irritated or even angry. Anyone who actually bothers to get to know you even a little should quickly learn the difference, but unfortunately... lots of people won't bother, and even more will listen to their comrades first and come into meeting you with prejudiced expectations.

If you are that uncomfortable, by all means leave. No one should have to stay in a hostile workplace, no matter the reason. Hugs to you, and I hope something changes for the better. Good luck!

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I'm African American but I grew up in a predominately white area. No matter how many times you experience racism/prejudice it will ALWAYS hurt. The sad thing is some people do not believe they are being offensive. I know you don't want to be "that guy" who pulls out this magic "race card" all of us AA's just so happened to be born with *eye-roll*. It's going to be awkward but you need to somehow address your feelings in general since this sounds like a unit culture. If nothing changes secretly look for another job and pretend everything is okay while still writing down any out of line remarks from coworkers and supervisors. (It's horrible it has to be like that)

Ignorance is not bliss. I hope everyone reading this thread realize how their words can eat at the core of someone's being. Please educate yourselves. A persons skin color is no reason to treat them like gum at the bottoms of your shoe, especially if they are your superior.

I am so sorry you are going through this, I hope it gets better 😘

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses

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If i were in your shoes i would ruuunnnn! far away from this kind of environment. Running does not necessarily solve the issue but i just can't see myself functioning in that kind of environment. Believe me, it's everywhere but very very bad and unbearable in some places. The reality is that no matter what you do, they would complain, infact, they might even team up against you and get you fired if you challenge one or two of them. They would always lie against you regardless, so why stay there and hurt? Or rather why sit down there and wait until fired? Even reporting to the Boss sometimes won't help because he/she might even be part of them..sigh...No one deserves to be treated like that? My take would be to look for another job and once you find one, be sure to express your concerns to each of these people and let them know you hurt when they say so and so about you. And when you start the next job, set your expectations so everyone knows where you stand. Apply what you have learnt from this job positively and move on with your career. All the best in whatever you choose to do.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
I just experienced the "angry black woman" stereotype at a LTC facility. Accused of something I did not do and was terminated without the opportunity to give my side of the story. I have been a nurse for 10 years with a clean board of nursing record. I can relate to how ppl will come together as group to achieve a common goal. The old adage is that " if they all saying the same thing it must be true." I fought back after I was falsely accused and reported to the board of nursing. I filed a discrimination claim with EEOC. I reported everything on the facility that I could prove, launched several investigations, contacted the news media, state dept, board of nursing, nurses association, family members and stood my ground. All because they started a LIE! The end result, the facility along with 14 other LTC facilities in the corporation SOLD to new owners. Stand up for yourself and fight back. Enough already with nurses fighting against each other! Im in this profession because I do care about ppl. Stop running and start holding ppl accountable for their actions. Sue them if you have to. But, invest in insurance to protect your license. This is getting RIDICULOUS!

God bless you. That can't have been easy. To be honest I thought the OP's description of the person who would say "it's because you're black" and everyone would laugh might qualify as a discriminatory environment but I see there is a lot more to this than I see, since I can't literally walk in another person's shoes.

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Every new charge nurse/supervisor, black or white, is challenged by those who were there "before" and don't like change..or think they know more than you do.

Your job is to stay above the fray and do the job you were hired to do.

Never socialize/gossip/discuss any employee with those you are paid to over see..that will surely get you in big trouble!

You make out the assignments and see that they are carried out. Conversation about race, good, bad, or indifferent should be squelched immediately with a simple, "This conversation is not appropriate in the workplace..if you'll excuse me, I'm busy" or "I'm sorry but I find this conversation offensive, please excuse me", and walk away. Repeat it as often as necessary! There will always be a 'drama queen', stirring up the 'subjects' against a new charge nurse/supervisor!

True story: (Only white, black staff...works both ways!) I had one job,second day, where the 'long term black queen and her consorts' left the floor, went to the DON and stated they were leaving unless I was fired! My 'sin' was 'changing everything'! Not quite, but I did insist they not sit on the beds and eat food from patients trays, whether the patient wanted it or not! (I check the trays for patient fluid intake etc! Besides State regulations prohibit it.) To diffuse the situation the DON called me to the office and suggested "I lighten up"! My response was simply that I was doing the job I was hired to do, and I'd be willing to resign if they could not accept that I run my floor with the patients' interest foremost..not the staff! She backed down!

True story: As a new charge nurse, I assigned a staff nurse to give her patient a whirlpool bath (MD Ordered daily) to a patient to heal a serious, painful bed sore. I reminded her during the day politely, twice, not to forget. Twenty minutes before shift change I asked if it had been done and she answered she'd do it tomorrow! Really? I calmly reached in the drawer, filled out an incident report for insubordination and gave it to her to sign. She said,...You are writing me up? I answered, 'Yes, but I'll be happy to tear it up if you get it done before you leave." Done! That went viral and established my expectations. My respect quotient sky rocketed and patient care along with it! Challenges to my authority disappeared.

You have to establish your parameters, language acceptable in your presence, and expectations, calmly and politely and let the chips fall where they may. That will always get you the respect you deserve despite the drama queens. No one fires a competent, conscientious nurse, doing her job, taking control of all aspects of her environment...and leading her staff!!

Hang in there...you'll find the same or another set of worse problems in the next job!

Demand respect through your actions.

Nothing is ever easy for a new employee when dealing with subordinates or peers..but you can do it!

This sounds all well and good, and ideally it would work that way, but from what I have read the OP has tried to set those boundaries but they continue to dismiss them as the OP "being angry..." a major stereotype many black women face. If overtime you stand your ground and try to uphold patient care you're seen as and dismissed as "being angry" it becomes a greater struggle to set those boundaries. It's no longer that you're taking control of your environment and leading your staff. it's that you're "just angry".

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