Should I leave this racist town?

[ChutneyFries]

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?

[ChutneyFries, BSN, RN]

Dear Roser, I mean no disrespect, but how can someone born of our generation not be aware of racism and prejudice. It never, ever, went away. Not to say that some things aren't better, but racism still exists, is still tolerated, and in many places and many people, baldly expressed.

I'm a white guy, Detroit born and raised. I saw and heard the racism there; I see it still. my step-son is biracial, and like any parent of a black child, I fear for his safety even from the police.

A couple of years ago when he was living in Bloomington IN, his mother and I were driving in town on a lovely Sunday afternoon with our son in the back seat. suddenly a police car pulls us over. our son is told to get out of the car and to explain what was going on. We told the officer that this was our son. but we were told to step outside the car and suddenly 3 more police cars pulled up quickly and continued to ask for our story and ID's. Eventually we were all allowed to go on our way with a perfunctory apology. Sadly, this type of behavior still exists - even among the people who are there to protect us.

As I said, I truly mean no disrespect. I have dismay, but it it is a feeling that I often have these days as I hear and see the news.

OP, I have not read all the replies, so I may be repeating the advice of others...

If possible you should try to stay the year - but not at the expense of your health: mental, emotional, or physical. I would be sure to get copies of all of your evaluations and make sure that there are no errors.

If there is an office or person in the city or state that covers discrimination in the workplace, I would reach out to them and find out what they can and can't do - and what they need to do it.

And remember, this struggle for equality is one that all good people must play a role in; even if it is just to start by making one's self aware of- as Marvin sang - "What's going on".

I'm so sorry that your son and your family had to go through that. I am sure that that experience has sadly changed your son's life. The moment you realize that you live in our society. Sad.

Thanks for the reply!!!

[$$ICU-RN$$]

So sorry u are going through this! U should definately notify HR, and if it is not investigated, or continues, file a complaint with the EEOC. If u are retaliated against, it is illegal, and now u have grounds for a lawsuit Facts About Retaliation

In the meantime, look for a new job, u are now a nurse with some experience, and it may be easier for u to get hired. U can say u are relocating, when the question arrives, since u don't work in the town u live in. Honestly, I wouldn't tell your potential employer about the incident because u may be looked at as a "trouble maker", its sad but true. Good Luck!

[Wolf at the Door, BSN]

They need diversity training in there staff. I could not work around there. Up state NY huh. The common culprits are the midwest, south carolina and new england states. I kind of include Upstate New York as New England and Midwest in spirit.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Wow. Hard to believe in this day and age people are still like that.

Unfortunately with older people you cannot really change things. However that treatment from your peers is very unacceptable. Do you think they are just completely clueless? Or is it intentional?

That rebel flag thing is often just a "cultural" thing among less educated people.

No matter what though you shouldn't have to put up with this. And on top of being a new grad is such a double whammy.

I hope you find a new job soon and wish you a much better work situation.

[chopwood carrywater]

I'm so sorry that your son and your family had to go through that. I am sure that that experience has sadly changed your son's life. The moment you realize that you live in our society. Sad.

Thanks for the reply!!!

Thanks. Unfortunately it was not the first and certainly not the last. It's just one that I feel helps to educate people.

[ChutneyFries, BSN, RN]

Wow. Hard to believe in this day and age people are still like that.

Unfortunately with older people you cannot really change things. However that treatment from your peers is very unacceptable. Do you think they are just completely clueless? Or is it intentional?

That rebel flag thing is often just a "cultural" thing among less educated people.

No matter what though you shouldn't have to put up with this. And on top of being a new grad is such a double whammy.

I hope you find a new job soon and wish you a much better work situation.

Thanks for your reply. I don't think it may be intent per se, but if someone needs to whisper the word 'black' to say something rude or distasteful, chances are the individuals know that what they are saying is not right. On all instances which were more than just a couple,my preceptor whispered these statements so that only the few people she was talking to could hear. SO, yes, intentionally she knew that what she was saying was wrong.

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

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.

I am so very sorry you are going through this. It does not speak to your strength.

I suggest that you apply for jobs where you would prefer to be and see what happens.

I also suggest that you make a list of your options. There are many. Quitting right away and staying indefinitely are the two extreme ends. There are many in between options. After you've written out all your options (and you could do that on this board or in your own journal) cross off any that are really unappealing to you. Then make a list of pros and cons for the ones that are left.

Bolster your support. Find an organization or social group made up of people of color. Join the National Black Nurses Association. Do things that make you feel strong and safe.

I know you'll find the answer. I'm sending you my love and support.

[LessValuableNinja]

While I agree with other posters that a year helps with your resume, if you have any interest in moving to Texas, I know a lot of people and can quietly explain the circumstances of the short position. While racism exists everywhere and in all directions, you could easily find a safe home here

[KSM-RN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I am so sorry that you have to endure this!! I don't necessarily feel you need to stay until the year mark. Especially if you will be leaving the area, would you be moving? Moving would be self explanatory if you were to seek new employment. Nursing is such hard work that brings on enough stress. You do not need/deserve any of this additional stress!! Take your skills elsewhere, where a great nurse is welcomed with open arms! Good Luck!

[ktwlpn, LPN]

I am very sorry you are going through this,it's sickening.It's also ridiculous for me to try to explain it.I'm white,I have no idea what this must be like.I would never try to minimize YOUR feelings.How do you respond to the comments? I am not confrontational by nature,I don't know what I would do or say.I do worry for your safety in that area.I wonder if this is isolated or widespread ? Another job just may introduce you to more bigots.If you stay there what will your children face someday? Again,I'm very sorry,God Bless

[amzyRN]

Start applying to other places and see what you are getting. I was working in a very small town my first nursing job that wasn't overtly racist, but pretty religious and intolerant of certain opinions and lacked racial and cultural diversity that I had become accustom to in a bigger place. I applied to a bigger city and got a better job that also gave me better experience. I only had 6 months experience. Start applying now and see what you get. And stay strong.

[LessValuableNinja]

From a guy who's hired a lot of people, it isn't that simple. You deserve a quick exit, but it should be discussed amongst friends. You got a crappy deal, but people need to know you got a crappy deal. I have hired hundreds of people. Nursing is my fourth career. My inbox is available. Youre welcome to use it

You're right. I hope that I'd be able to land something rather soon. I will take a step back (LTC or other non-hospital jobs) to feel safe.