What in the world are we supposed to do when a patient makes it known that they "don't want any nurses of color taking care of them"?
There was a patient on my unit last week who mentioned this (I have no idea who she told this to, administration, the doctors, I have no idea who she notified). She was in her 20s and was not on the unit for mental illness issues at all, she had an OBGYN related surgery and was not under any sedative medications, she was able-bodied with full mental capacity! Thank goodness for the patient none of the nurses (all of whom but 2 out of 50-something nurses are people of color) knew about this patient's odd request until she was discharged from the hospital.
What I really wanted to do and say were unprofessional. What are we supposed to do when someone comes to hospital with this request?
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
in response to those who brought up the sexual assault aspect -
If someone refuses to have a nurse of the opposite race because they were raped by someone of that ethnicity, and they formerly would've had no problem with it, and the race is more important to them than their gender, I wouldn't place that in the category of preference. I'd put that in the category of phobic, or PTSD and suggest that the person is in need of further counseling, or counseling if she never dealt with the original trauma at all. Skin color isn't the only common physical characteristic someone may share with the perpetrator of the crime.
I'm not sure what you're getting at with this, but I do feel right now would be a good time to point out that I personally embrace all walks of life and am happy to share this beautiful planet with any walk of life.
I believe we have much to learn from one another and I believe racism does have horrific roots in world history, not just here in America. Keep in mind that those who DO turn to racism as a result of bad parenting may have had parents who endured the worst racial violence of the civil rights movement. If my parents were beaten, raped, and stolen from by a specific race not just once, but many times, and many different people, would you blame them for telling me that that race is terrible?
These issues won't go away easily. My husband's school was shut down for weeks because of racial riots in the early 90s. The 90s!
Hate doesn't drive out hate. Anger doesn't help either. It's acceptance that does. It's recognizing there is hurt there culturally that needs to heal. That kind of healing doesn't go away by simply saying, "get over it."
It starts with respect.
"I respect your right to not like me or want me near you. I'm sure you have a valid reason for feeling that way. Maybe one day we can get to know each other so you can see I have a good heart. But ultimately, I respect you and whatever life path has brought you to where you are today."
Wasn't "getting at" anything. Just commented about how the program showed that racism is still around and young persons are getting it from home. It was in no way any sort of dig or personal attack against. Am sorry if it came across that way.
At the end of the day, it's what the patient wants. They still have a right to have their request respected. Yeah, it's racist, but if the patient wants a white nurse, there should at least be an attempt to get them a white nurse. If that's what they feel comfortable with, that's probably for the best.
Hmm, that's a shame, because we all have a color. My color is (very very pale) peach, my husband is more of an apricot-peach, and my children are fast becoming a creamy peach/tan.
I guess that "poor" woman will just have to fend for herself.
in response to those who brought up the sexual assault aspect -
If someone refuses to have a nurse of the opposite race because they were raped by someone of that ethnicity, and they formerly would've had no problem with it, and the race is more important to them than their gender, I wouldn't place that in the category of preference. I'd put that in the category of phobic, or PTSD and suggest that the person is in need of further counseling, or counseling if she never dealt with the original trauma at all. Skin color isn't the only common physical characteristic someone may share with the perpetrator of the crime.
Should the patient have to explain why? Should she have to announce to the staff that she had been raped?
I have also been in this position and it is very painful to know people still have to deal with these kind of race issues. its sad and discouraging, especially for new nurses.
At the end of the day, it's what the patient wants. They still have a right to have their request respected. Yeah, it's racist, but if the patient wants a white nurse, there should at least be an attempt to get them a white nurse. If that's what they feel comfortable with, that's probably for the best.
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
Should the patient have to explain why? Should she have to announce to the staff that she had been raped?
The tone of your replies continues to exaggerate my words far beyond what I've said, is confrontational and frankly just reflects a lack of experience, as have several of your other statements about the behavior of women. When somebody first makes a request like that, a good deal can be gleaned by the person's demeanor. I didn't post directly to you in my last post, and I see no point in engaging further in this discussion with you.
The tone of your replies continues to exaggerate my words far beyond what I've said, is confrontational and frankly just reflects a lack of experience, as have several of your other statements about the behavior of women. When somebody first makes a request like that, a good deal can be gleaned by the person's demeanor. I didn't post directly to you in my last post, and I see no point in engaging further in this discussion with you.
I noticed you did not answer the question. Should the patient get what they want, within reason without having to reveal something about herself that is really nobody's business? You consider this simple question confrontational?
What if this woman was raped by a black man and stated she didn't want to have a black nurse. Should she have that right without announcing to the entire hospital staff it is because she had been raped by a black man in her past? Or should we just accept some people have preferences? Some women will only see a female OB/GYN, others want male only. I am pretty certain many women would also prefer an OB/GYN to be the same race they are.
Personally I don't understand the connection between enduring a previous trauma from a black male to not want any black healthcare providers. Furthermore, as a woman I don't care what color/ethnicity my ob/gyn is......but that's just me.
What in the world are we supposed to do when a patient makes it known that they "don't want any nurses of color taking care of them"?
There was a patient on my unit last week who mentioned this (I have no idea who she told this to, administration, the doctors, I have no idea who she notified). She was in her 20s and was not on the unit for mental illness issues at all, she had an OBGYN related surgery and was not under any sedative medications, she was able-bodied with full mental capacity! Thank goodness for the patient none of the nurses (all of whom but 2 out of 50-something nurses are people of color) knew about this patient's odd request until she was discharged from the hospital.
What I really wanted to do and say were unprofessional. What are we supposed to do when someone comes to hospital with this request?
What I would do is follow this request ESPECIALLY if it can be done. Any person who makes these types of requests seems like a loose cannon and why stir the pot why creat trouble/drama for the EMPLOYEE. i am not saying to follow it for the patient, I woudl say to follow it for the EMPLOYEES sake. Frankly, I would fight against an assignment where the pt did not want a nurse of my ethnicity, gender etc when other nurses who fit the criteria are available. the issue with most of the people who makes these requests are that the pts are usually the pts no one wants and everyone complaints about.
Just as others have posted, I would suggest you let another nurse take care of him/her. I wouldn't take it personal. There are still quite a few people who discriminate but their are twice as many that don't with that being said use your compassion and caring profession towards other patients who will appreciate you and not judge you by the color of your skin. You need to keep your confidence and stay professional and allow someone else to deal with that patient. Keep smiling and know that you did the best you could for that patient within your power.:loveya:
nursel56
7,122 Posts
in response to those who brought up the sexual assault aspect -
If someone refuses to have a nurse of the opposite race because they were raped by someone of that ethnicity, and they formerly would've had no problem with it, and the race is more important to them than their gender, I wouldn't place that in the category of preference. I'd put that in the category of phobic, or PTSD and suggest that the person is in need of further counseling, or counseling if she never dealt with the original trauma at all. Skin color isn't the only common physical characteristic someone may share with the perpetrator of the crime.