Should I leave this racist town?

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My first RN job has lead me to a more rural part of the country. As a person of color, I have never experienced racism to this degree.

Some instances are subtle at work, but some are pretty blatant.

My first experience occurred when my preceptor mentioned repeatedly that I have a "black card" so I must be golden at my new position. (I never questioned her on what she meant.) My preceptor also mentioned things like "since you are black things will get stolen from you." Phrases like 'slave driver' have also repeatedly been mentioned in passing with my preceptor. Since I was on orientation, I let a lot of comments go and ignored them, due to fear of being let go or retaliation.

Now, the worst thing is that I have noted on several occasions, confederate flags waving from behind pick up trucks.

I'm not sure if I can stick it out for over a year in this place. What would you do?

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That's unfortunate. Very sorry to hear that. Did you sign a contract?

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@scoope23, No I did not sign a contract. Thanks for the reply!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I'm not sure if I can stick it out for over a year in this place. What would you do?
As a fellow African-American nurse who has experienced some racial intolerance, I can feel your pain. I also live in a region where the occasional "White Pride World Wide" slogan or Dixie flag image is emblazoned on bumper stickers.

On the other hand, your opportunities might be limited if you leave this job before the one year mark. I would attempt to stick it out until you accrue a year of experience. Good luck to you, and be assured that this experience will be water under the bridge in a few years.

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I just wanted to say how sorry I am that this is happening to you. (hugs)

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If I were you, I would certainly bring up my concerns to management. There are laws concerning both discrimination and harassment, neither of which you should be subjected to. It is highly doubtable that you would lose your position for doing so, as this would create a very valid case for a lawsuit. Unfortunately, that may not always prevent any covert retaliation which subliminally results. (You know, the kind of stuff which you know to be happening, but can't exactly present concrete proof for).

Whether or not you remain is up to you. Your own personal health (including psychological) should certainly be a priority. Conversely, I do wonder for your patients who are also of color. If you are treated this way, how are these patients being treated? Would you be able to reduce their subjection to racial injustices with your presence? Would they receive better care for your being present? Maybe those you care for would receive life altering difference in care? If not for all, but even just a few, would this difference be worth your own psychological torment?

I come from a Union family. Self sacrifice for the good of others comes natural to me, but it is not for everyone. I'd love to say that we live in a perfect world where we follow the chain of command and a problem stops, but it doesn't always. It is up to you whether you want to be the start of the change in a system… the person who stands her ground and forces people to think differently… or whether you know in your heart that you'd rather be somewhere that will provide you with the treatment you deserve. There is no right or wrong answer. The answer deep in your heart is always the right one.

Sending you lots of hugs and wishing you the very best!

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If I were you, I would certainly bring up my concerns to management. There are laws concerning both discrimination and harassment, neither of which you should be subjected to. It is highly doubtable that you would lose your position for doing so, as this would create a very valid case for a lawsuit. Unfortunately, that may not always prevent any covert retaliation which subliminally results. (You know, the kind of stuff which you know to be happening, but can't exactly present concrete proof for).

Whether or not you remain is up to you. Your own personal health (including psychological) should certainly be a priority. Conversely, I do wonder for your patients who are also of color. If you are treated this way, how are these patients being treated? Would you be able to reduce their subjection to racial injustices with your presence? Would they receive better care for your being present? Maybe those you care for would receive life altering difference in care? If not for all, but even just a few, would this difference be worth your own psychological torment?

I come from a Union family. Self sacrifice for the good of others comes natural to me, but it is not for everyone. I'd love to say that we live in a perfect world where we follow the chain of command and a problem stops, but it doesn't always. It is up to you whether you want to be the start of the change in a system… the person who stands her ground and forces people to think differently… or whether you know in your heart that you'd rather be somewhere that will provide you with the treatment you deserve. There is no right or wrong answer. The answer deep in your heart is always the right one.

Sending you lots of hugs and wishing you the very best!

Thank you for this reply. It is a game changer to react in a selfless way when it comes to this type of injustice. I feel myself becoming a more vigilant person and ever more fearful. My mental health would be a good reason for me to return home. I don't think that I am as strong as I'd like to think. I find myself having panic attacks with palpitations at night before I know I have to go to work. This makes providing excellent care difficult.

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As a fellow African-American nurse who has experienced some racial intolerance, I can feel your pain. I also live in a region where the occasional "White Pride World Wide" slogan or Dixie flag image is emblazoned on bumper stickers.

On the other hand, your opportunities might be limited if you leave this job before the one year mark. I would attempt to stick it out until you accrue a year of experience. Good luck to you, and be assured that this experience will be water under the bridge in a few years.

Thank you for this reply!! I truly want to stick it out for a year. I was hoping to do more but at 5mos in, I am not sure if this is likely due to the psychological impact of this. Being from an urban area, I do not ever recall feeling this way. I just don't know how I could stick it out with this anxiety.

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Thank you for this reply. It is a game changer to react in a selfless way when it comes to this type of injustice. I feel myself becoming a more vigilant person and ever more fearful. My mental health would be a good reason for me to return home. I don't think that I am as strong as I'd like to think. I find myself having panic attacks with palpitations at night before I know I have to go to work. This makes providing excellent care difficult.

This has nothing to do with YOUR strength. Please don't even bring it into consideration when others are being racist and hateful.

I'm so sorry you are going through this.

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This has nothing to do with YOUR strength. Please don't even bring it into consideration when others are being racist and hateful.

I'm so sorry you are going through this.

Thank you for your comment. You are absolutely right!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

I guess I'm a naive middle-aged suburban white lady. I seriously cannot believe that this type of behavior (a) still exists and (2) is tolerated.

OP, I'm sorry for you in your position. I wish that you had other options but becoming a poster child for race relations by reporting your experiences is likely not on your agenda at this time.

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Specializes in ICU.
I guess I'm a naive middle-aged suburban white lady. I seriously cannot believe that this type of behavior (a) still exists and (2) is tolerated.

OP, I'm sorry for you in your position. I wish that you had other options but becoming a poster child for race relations by reporting your experiences is likely not on your agenda at this time.

Me too, it sickens me. I'm sorry you are having to put up with this.

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