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?
Leave. Why put yourself through that torment? If that means working a job that you may not like but in a SAFER environment then that's just what it is. Just from my experience PEACE OF MIND is key. How much longer until your year mark? As stated you need to document these events when then happen and upon leaving have an in depth conversation with HR and give them this. If I were you I would speak with an attorney (outside the county but within the state). I have experienced racism covertly at work but only overtly outside of work. But that sh*t that you speak of is ridiculous. The fact that it's coming from leadership (precep) just floors me. It's bad enough that nurses eat their young but dang these sound like the type of folks that will just watched if G-d forbid some one tries to attack you on the way to your car or something. And speaking of which, you make sure you keep yourself protected maam. I worked in Psyc before and have had a few folks try to find me. I'll leave you here, no one has your back except you. Sad but true. Hold your head up QUEEN.
Thanks for your reply. I'm actually a man, but I hear where you are coming from. As a man , I find that people will try to test me, especially as a male nurse. I am very mild mannered and ignore many many things. My exit plan is underway. Thankfully have already even received a call back for an interview! I can not wait to leave!
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
Thanks for your reply. When these comments have been made, they were always in a tone that could be perceived as 'jokingly' or too quick that my response was always an expression of disbelief and the moment passes and conversation or interruption faded it into the background. One time I even laughed because I didn't know what to say. I have always had a problem with letting people know when I am hurt or offended. I just brush it off. But it's not ok.
I am so sorry you are going through this, OP. It literally brings tears of anger and sadness to my eyes; I don't know how you have managed to get through even one shift working in such an atmosphere/environment. You do not deserve any of this at all. You are a very, very strong person being able to deal with it at all!
I know you mentioned that you did not maybe like the idea of medication, but if you can find a counselor in your town that you trust, that is an option as well. I know you mentioned that "talking it out here seems to help" and talking it out with a counselor can help a lot too, since they are trained to be objective and help you deal with whatever situation is going on in your life. I know there is still a lot of stigma re: counseling, but it really does help (in my experience), and you do not have to tell anyone you are going; as well as that counselors are bound by confidentiality laws. If you find someone you trust, it might even be a neutral ground where you can bring your wife and discuss what is going on, with a neutral third party there to help you all with decision-making.
I don't know, I'm just throwing ideas out there. I just really hate that this is going on; there is no excuse for it whatsoever. I wish I could do more to help you. I don't know if it would help while you are still in this place of employment, to picture all of the supportive people on this thread kind of "with" you and supporting you to get through your shift; I know that does sound kind of silly though, but mentally we ARE with you. I hope (and pray if it's okay) that things get better soon and you can find a much better, new job and be appreciated and be able to do your work without having to be afraid for your personal safety, for goodness' sake!!! Nursing does NOT have to be like this!!! :)
Thank you so much for your reply!
I am seriously considering counseling very soon because I do find that the fear takes over when I try to sleep.
It's amazing the support that I have received thus far from ALL of you guys on allnurses! I truly do feel better.
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.
Ever since Ive opened up about this issue, I started to apply for positions closer to home. Tonight I received a call back! I am in shock and disbelief! God delivers every time! I pray I get this job!
How did you explain the 6 months experience? Did you go in detail about why you left?
If you are willing to move again, consider Arkansas. I can't attest for the rest of the state, but the metro area where I am is pretty decent about the way people get along. The whole area is growing fast. If fact, most of the people I know are transplants from other states. So maybe that helps with the way people treat each other. There are over a half dozen hospitals in the metro, with several more within 30 miles. And all are hiring due to expansions. I just got flyers in the mail from the local children's hospital plus one that's 30 minutes away two days ago. Saying they were having an open house with hiring managers on site. I've gotten flyers like that for every hospital in the area, plus a bunch of smaller places like LTC, psych facilities, and hospitals in other parts of the state in the last couple of months. In fact, one hospital 2 hours away on the edge of the state recently expanded and was offering to put RNs up in a hotel if they signed up to go to their open house.
Thats amazing!!! There is definitely a shortage in Arkansas. I'm goign to take my chances with NY and pray that I get anything closer to home.
Hello... Remember that only thing that can continue are the things that we let them. You have a self respect and you want to avoid fights or being let go. Some things are not in our control especially the attitudes of these people that are racist, even if you report them to supervisors. Yes, you can leave that town..you have a self respect for yourself while others do not have a self respect for their own. You cannot stay or live in a place like that, it is torture. You deserve appreciation, treated fairly, and respect too.
It will be a challenge to stay, and it's not impossible. You just got to deal with it. I understand there are instances where you just cannot ignore as it disturbs you. Pray for those who persecute you, you are above these racists people. All the best to you.
Hello... Remember that only thing that can continue are the things that we let them. You have a self respect and you want to avoid fights or being let go. Some things are not in our control especially the attitudes of these people that are racist, even if you report them to supervisors. Yes, you can leave that town..you have a self respect for yourself while others do not have a self respect for their own. You cannot stay or live in a place like that, it is torture. You deserve appreciation, treated fairly, and respect too.
It will be a challenge to stay, and it's not impossible. You just got to deal with it. I understand there are instances where you just cannot ignore as it disturbs you. Pray for those who persecute you, you are above these racists people. All the best to you.
Thanks! That was a great site and in the future I will in general need to address the comments and issues in a professional manner. But, I can't stay in this town!
I am so sorry that you are going through this. I'm glad you came here though, as we take care of each other. I have worked at many hospitals and have found out that I don't do well at small hospitals with no diversity. And I'm a blond/blue eyed white lady.
The problem is these cesspools of small minded people, when they don't have blacks, or mexicans or someone else to "toy" with, start picking on the white person from another state, or church, or religion. There's always bullies looking for someone to be mean to.
I finally realized a couple of years ago that I have to work in a large diverse hospital that relishes differences of culture, color and religion. I finally work in a hospital that is warm and fuzzy in Texas. We would welcome you.
My daughter in law used to work in HR. She has told me that you should never go to HR as they are all for the company and don't care about individual workers.
You have rec'd many awesome ideas to think about and I know that someday soon you will find a place where you will feel accepted and respected. I will pray for your safety, both physical and mental. Let me know if you want a job in the Dallas area.
I have several friends that had to switch jobs at first to find the right fit. I left my first job after 8 weeks. I simply told the next place that it "wasn't a good fit." I ended up staying at hospital #2 for 6 years.
In the nursing world that usually means that the place you're leaving is a cesspool. Word gets around in the nursing world. We know which places are good to work at, and those that aren't.
Specializes in Cardiac, NICU, CCM, LNC, Forensic, LCP.
I'm so sorry to hear of your experience. Toxic environments don't change. I honestly would leave and move on. There is a better job(s) with supportive colleagues waiting for you. Stay strong. Good luck!
As an 40 year old AAF, growing up in the south and traveling throughout the US, racism is alive and every where. Nursing is my newest and 3rd career, so my social experience is not limited. Never will I say, "Suck it up, Buttercup", but I will advise you that you can't escape it. Some will get to know you as a person & warm up. Others will fear that they'll turn black if they touch you. Developing a strong sense of self and joining a local National Black Nurses Association may help you cope. Your mental & physical health are paramount and you have a lot to consider. Learning to deal with the ignorance is just as valuable as your nursing experience. Just food for thought. Note: The worst prejudice you will face is when a black patient determines that your skin color makes you incapable of caring for them. HUGS!!
As a white woman, I cannot in any way say anything besides I am so sorry this is happening to you. The only experience I have with discrimination was in the military, when I was made to feel so unsafe that i stopped sleeping and started having panic attacks every day. I ended up having a total nervous breakdown. So, I do know how it feels to feel trapped.
I wouldn't suggest going to anyone unless you're ready for what will happen next. Systemic racism is so insidious and scary....unless you're sure that you'll have someone at the top in your corner you may end up in a worse position than you're in now. Of course, what you decide to do in the end is up to you, and your comfort level.
Its also a big deal to be able to up and move. Maybe trying to apply for positions where you'd be relocating to--and that doesn't look terrible. It's not a ding against your resume under the premise of "I have to relocate."
At the end of the day, what you do is going to have reprecussions. I'm so sorry this is what you're dealing with, and I wish I could tell you something of real value. But I am not a person of color and at the end of the day I will never understand what's happening to you. I can only say I am sorry.
Small towns do as they please imho, you have more legal protection in larger cities. I would exit stage left and let racists dogs sleep where they lay.
ChutneyFries, BSN, RN
153 Posts
Thanks for your reply. I'm actually a man, but I hear where you are coming from. As a man , I find that people will try to test me, especially as a male nurse. I am very mild mannered and ignore many many things. My exit plan is underway. Thankfully have already even received a call back for an interview! I can not wait to leave!