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?
If these people, especially your supervisor, is calling you an a-hole, is time to speak up. I don't care what color a person is you don't behave that way to a fellow nurse. And as for the person who says "it's because your black", that's work place discrimination. You have ever right to be angry at this point! I would consult with corporate about this or higher management that isn't the person degrading you. You should not quit your job because you are not the guilty party. Only as a last resort because employers will ask about gaps in work. Don't let these people be the reason you leave your job. I have multiple African American friends at work and we get along so well. Not every pace is like the place you work.. There is many good ones out there. I would never dream of saying" it's because your black " to a person. Good luck to you dear !!!
ninja-nurse, BSN
55 Posts
OP, good luck! I hope you find a place where they'll treat you right, you seem like a wonderful person.