Steph1985

I hear what you're saying—and I agree that not every white person is a racist. That's not what I'm saying. What I am speaking on is a very real pattern that many Black women experience, whether you're familiar with it or not. The "angry Black woman" stereotype isn't just a phrase—it's something that has been used to dismiss, silence, and discredit us, especially in professional spaces. So when I speak on it, it's not an accusation—it's lived experience Because while you may feel tired of being grouped or accused, there are people who are tired of being labeled, minimized, or misunderstood in ways that impact their careers and well-being. This isn't about blaming—it's about acknowledging that different experiences exist at the same time. We may not fully agree, and that's okay. But understanding doesn't require agreement—it just requires being open enough to recognize that someone else's reality may look very different from yours.

Not everything is about race—but some experiences are. And let's be honest—sometimes the "angry Black woman" stereotype gets placed on you, and people run with it. Suddenly it's no longer about your work... it's about how others choose to see you. I'm sick of the constant disparaging comments. Sick of being reduced to a label instead of being seen. It's exhausting when people choose assumptions over understanding, and labels over truth. I am not a stereotype. I am not your perception. I am a professional who shows up and does the job—consistently and with purpose. We all should be mindful of how quickly we judge others, especially when we don't carry their experiences.

I hear what you're saying, and I actually agree—stress can make anyone come across a little strong sometimes, and addressing things in the moment is definitely healthier than letting it build into something negative. I actually have great working relationships with most of my coworkers. This isn't a unit-wide issue. The situation really comes down to a small group of people who were used to doing things their own way. Because I practice by the book and prioritize patient safety and proper protocol, it created tension. Instead of addressing differences in practice or having direct conversations, it turned into criticism of my character—which is easier to attack than my work. I'm always open to communication and self-reflection, but I also recognize when something isn't about my tone. And integrity can feel lonely sometimes—but it never goes unnoticed where it actually matters.

I can relate to what you're saying more than you know. I worked in a facility where my patients constantly praised my care, my attention, and how I showed up for them—and instead of that being a positive, it made me a target. Since no one could question my work, they tried to discredit my character instead. Groups would form, narratives would spread, and what frustrated me the most was that management allowed it to happen. But life has a way of revealing things. Through it all, I stayed grounded, focused on my patients, and kept my integrity. In the end, two of the people who contributed to that environment resigned, another switched shifts, and I'm still there. So I truly understand what you mean about workplace culture. A supportive environment makes all the difference—but even in toxic ones, staying true to who you are will always speak louder than anything people try to say about you. What really frustrates me is how comfortable some people are labeling someone as "aggressive,” especially when it's rooted in their own bias or false perception. It's like they rely on a stereotype instead of actually looking at the person's actions or intentions. Once that label is thrown out there, it spreads quickly, and suddenly you're defending your character instead of being recognized for your work. What's even worse is that people know exactly what they're doing—they choose that label because they think it will stick, not because it's true. And in environments where leadership doesn't challenge it, it almost becomes accepted as fact. At the end of the day, it says more about their mindset than it ever will about the person they're trying to portray. But it's still frustrating having to navigate that, especially when all you're doing is your job and doing it well.

Yes, there have been specific incidents. I've been labeled 'bossy' while managing multiple high-acuity patients without support, while other staff were assisted. A coworker also made a direct comment about my ethnicity and work ethic in front of others, which was extremely concerning. "I want to be clear—my concern is not about being labeled. It's about the pattern behind it. I have not received formal disciplinary action—only subjective feedback about my communication style. I believe the issue is less about aggression and more about how my advocacy is being perceived and treated differently. My focus has always been patient safety and proper care. There are other Black staff members, but I can only speak on my experience. However, I have noticed differences in communication and support depending on who is involved.

Being a Black woman in nursing is not easy. Too often, our dedication and skill are overshadowed by biased narratives that target our character rather than our competence. I work in a facility where my work ethic was unquestionable, yet I was portrayed as "aggressive" simply because some could not find fault in my performance. Management sometimes allows these biases to flourish, feeding harmful stereotypes instead of addressing real workplace issues. This is not just about me—it is about all of us. We deserve to work in environments where respect, fairness, and professionalism are the standard, not the exception. We deserve to be evaluated on our skill and dedication, not the color of our skin or who we are. To every nurse who has felt unfairly targeted or disparaged: your value is not defined by their narratives. Your professionalism, your care, and your knowledge matter. Stand firm, support each other, and hold management accountable when bias goes unchecked. Let's continue to lift each other up, speak our truths, and ensure that every nurse—regardless of race, gender, or background—can practice in a space that honors their skill and humanity. If you are contributing to harm in your workplace—whether through words, actions, or indifference—it's time for honest self-reflection. Kindness costs nothing, yet its absence can shatter a colleague's peace, confidence, and even their career. Every interaction is a choice: choose respect. Choose integrity. Choose to lift others up, not tear them down. God Bless.

I'm a RN on Long Island and I'm trying to get into the OR, but I'm finding it hard because most places want experience. I'm willing to learn, work hard, and start in any related area (Pre-Op, PACU, SDS, etc.). If anyone knows of a hospital or ambulatory surgery center on Long Island or nearby that is open to training a nurse new to the OR, I'd really appreciate any leads or advice. Thank you!

I don't know if others feel the same way I do—but lately, I've just felt tired. Not the kind of tired that a good night's sleep can fix. I'm talking about the mental and emotional exhaustion that comes from constantly clocking in and out, day after day, surrounded by people I wouldn't choose to spend time with if I had a choice. I look around and see people who have worked at the same institution for 10, 20, even 30 years. I don't judge them—for some, that brings stability, routine, and maybe even pride. But for me? I just can't imagine doing this for the rest of my life. Something deep inside me is saying this isn't it. We're born into a system that conditions us to believe this is what life is supposed to be: go to school, get a job, work until you're too old to enjoy life, and hope you've saved enough to finally rest. But when you really step back and look at it, doesn't it feel like a trap? Even the so-called "successful" professionals—doctors, lawyers, executives—many of them are just as tied to their paychecks (Educated slaves). We're often drowning in student debt, working long hours, and sacrificing our time, health, and families for a job that barely allows us time to breathe. It's not just about the job—it's about the limitations. The lack of time freedom. The emotional toll. The feeling that your life is not entirely your own. You're constantly trading time for money, and in that trade, something valuable is lost: creativity, peace, purpose. I'm not saying I have all the answers. But I know one thing for sure: this system isn't working for me. I'm done pretending this is okay. I'm done idolizing long careers at jobs that drain the soul. I'm starting to see that real success, for me, means freedom—freedom to choose how I spend my time, who I work with, and what I contribute to the world. I don't have to flip my whole life overnight. I don't need to have all the answers today. But I can begin — with small, intentional steps — to move in the direction of peace, freedom, and wholeness. When my light turns off, there won't be a chance for a do-over. This life — this moment — is all I get. I won't waste it on things that drain me, people who break me, or systems that silence me. I deserve to live fully, not just survive. My peace, purpose, and joy matter now — not someday. My well-being is not a luxury. It's a foundation. I have decided to choose myself. If you're feeling the same way, know this: you're not alone. And you're not crazy for wanting more.

I've worked in dialysis for over 12 years. I understand how overwhelming it can feel in the beginning. It's all new, and you need to give yourself a little time to adjust. But if, after giving it an honest shot, you feel like it's absolutely not for you—do what you must. Good luck!

This has nothing to do with "nurses eat their young" or younger nurses bullying older nurses. It has everything to do with individuals—regardless of age—who are greatly lacking in every way. No human being who is truly happy goes around bullying someone else. What do they even get out of it? I've seen how some people seem to get a sick thrill out of causing chaos, probably because peace confuses them. Some are just miserable—and that's why they act the way they do. They might be laughing today, thinking they're doing something, but they're only fooling themselves. When karma comes to take a nice chunk out of their miserable behinds, they won't even know what hit them. As long as you're dealing with people, you're in for a fight. But if you keep your hands and your heart clean, you will be victorious. Don't ever conform to fit in out of fear. I've seen it happen too many times—it's downright disgusting. Stay true to yourself, even when it's hard. Fear should never be the author of your identity.

Compassion fatigue? That's a no from the panel. If someone is experiencing compassion fatigue, they may need a long vacation—or to seriously reconsider whether nursing is the right career for them. This profession demands resilience, empathy, and consistent emotional presence. Let's be clear: not all poor behavior can be blamed on compassion fatigue. Some people are simply making choices—to gossip, backstab, lie, stir drama, or create a toxic environment. That's not burnout; that's a lack of maturity and professionalism. We're talking about grown adults acting like unsupervised toddlers. Let's stop labeling bad behavior as something clinical. It's not always a condition—it's often a choice.

I am truly sorry that this happened to you. I believe that if you didn't get the position, it may not have been the right fit for you from the start. Sometimes what we think we want isn't always what's best for us. Trust that a door will eventually open for you—one that no one will be able to close. Stay positive, keep moving forward, and remember that everything happens for a reason. God bless.

As nurses, we enter this profession with a deep sense of empathy, compassion, and a commitment to caring for others. We are trained to provide the highest level of care for our patients, guided by integrity, trust, and the understanding that we are all human. Yet, it's disheartening to witness the way some of us treat one another. New nurses, fresh to the field, often face an uphill battle, not just with the learning curve of the profession, but with the lack of kindness and respect from their more experienced colleagues. We've all been there—the anxious feeling of being a beginner, trying to navigate new responsibilities, and yes, we all made mistakes. But instead of offering a helping hand or a word of encouragement, some choose to belittle, gossip, and even sabotage the growth of new nurses. How do we expect a new graduate to succeed if we constantly tear them down, rather than uplift them? Our role as mentors should be to guide, not to criticize. If we don't support them, how can we expect them to become the best nurses they can be? Furthermore, just because you have the ear of leadership does not give you the right to spread falsehoods or manipulate the narrative about a colleague. Seniority should never be used as an excuse to disrespect others, to lie about their actions, or to create an environment where complaints are punished with retaliation. When a new nurse feels intimidated or targeted, their potential for growth diminishes, and the entire team suffers. Being in the field for years doesn't make anyone invincible. No matter how long you've worked, we're all replaceable. But the knowledge, empathy, and guidance we give to others, especially those just starting, will shape the future of nursing. There is enough space for everyone to grow. To the senior nurses who recognize the importance of mentorship, thank you. You are the examples we need in this profession—those who don't judge, and who genuinely want to see their colleagues succeed. The culture of support is greatly lacking , and we are so divided. Nursing is about caring for each other, too. We must choose kindness, be willing to teach, and make room for everyone to succeed.

Please and I repeat please do not go by the trick. It’s not 100% accurate. I took my exam and like most people I did the trick. I got the bad pop up multiple times. I was so disappointed and quite frustrated but it was all for absolutely nothing because I ended up passing. I can’t stop praising God, for nothing is impossible. I did all 145 questions. I had 50 SATA. Bad pop up and still passed. I’ve heard people mention this but I never believed it till I experienced it. Do yourselves a favor, don’t rely solely on the trick. Good Luck all and God Bless!