jazzmaiden3

As a "person (nurse) of color" and having given some 40 years to the profession, I can relate in some degree to the feelings you have expressed. Most of my experiences --working and advanced education- has been in the north. I have found that having another "like me" around, made things more bearable. You did not mention this--are you all alone in the workplace? If so, I feel your pain, and wish you strength to make the right decision when the times comes.

What a wonderful example of nurse advocacy for a patient! and refusing to let the 'doc off the hook! When we see out patients as more than an illness, but as a fellow human being with needs we can help meet, then we can become that persons advocate. Thank you for sharing this story. It has encouraged me.

When I introduced first year nursing students to nursing, I always made sure to introduce them to not only Flo but also the many African-American females who have made an impact on nursing history. knowing who these individuals were, what they did, the oppositions they met and overcome is all a part of understanding the culture of both the past, present, and future of nursing.

HI! I have reached the wonderful age of 71 and am still in the profession. I've worked in several areas of nursing and enjoyed them all: Academic teaching, Diabetes Education, Nursing Staff education, and now back into Academic education--A most interesting journey. Jazzmaiden3

I have really been blessed by this article. Last year, I taught community health for the first time. One of the course requirements was to interview and write a short article on a hospice or parish nurse. As a parish nurse myself, I thought I know what to expect. However, it was the student's responses to this field of nursing practice, and their openness and willingness to consider it a potential field of practice for themselves, that blew me away. I fully supported their interest. We need more young professionals who sense a special "calling" for this demanding nursing practice. jazzmaiden3