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?
Try to stick it out for as long as you can. I had very similar experiences on two of the best jobs a newer nurse could ask for. I hover ever, get panic attacks, visibly shaking, things falling from my hand, stuttering... While nurses laugh to my face. I ended up leaving both positions for long term care. I've considered my career ruined because I couldn't deal. Try for one year. I'm praying for you.
I think I am naive as well. It blows my mind that this stuff is still happening. I'm from Mississippi where you would expect this to be the norm, but it's not. You shouldn't tolerate this behavior or live in fear of anything. Stand up for yourself, girl! Don't let anyone make you miserable or make you feel less than equal because you are equal and just as deserving of respect in the work place. I see the confederate flag here occasionally, but it means nothing to me and to most people I know. I feel sorry for those that I encounter that seem racist. I don't meet very many these days. They are fools. I am white and if I worked with you and saw you being treated this way, I would stick up for you. Please don't live your life letting others determine how you feel and feel about yourself! Life is too short!!
Personally, I'd stick it out. I took a contract in a very urban area where I was "the white dude"... no name, no other identifier, just the white dude. The things that were said to my face were unbelievable, but I made a commitment to do a job and I did that job.
When you take a job you need to do a little research... did you honestly think a southern town wouldn't have people who are proud of being in the south, proud of their confederate history? Pardon me for saying, but that is just ignorant.
And if you're looking for work in the Philadelphia area, let me know. My hospital will absolutely interview and hire new nurses with 0 experience. My director interviews ALL candidates suggested by her staff. I could have you a job in a heartbeat. If you want to learn med surg/step down with a diverse staff of many races and nationalities (American, Asian, African, and european) while working with a patient population that's even more diverse, we would be for you. And the good news is we just went Union. You'd be protected.
Leave and find a job where you feel comfortable. I have been a nurse for many years and have been through racism(only white nurse in a hospital with predominantly black nurses), sexism(doctors, male nurses, and male patient putting their hands on my bottom and breasts). I have also been the only heterosexual nurse working a shift with predominantly homosexual female nurses on my shifts. I decided to stay, work hard, and learn what I could. I do 't let that stuff bother me...I know who I am and am secure with myself. As you can read, you are not the only one who has experienced isms. As for the Confederate flag being flown on the back of trucks...that is Southern culture just as much as rap music is considered a part of black culture...I think you are being a little too sensitive and you need to take what you can as learning experiences both professionally and in life and do what you can!
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
When you take a job you need to do a little research... did you honestly think a southern town wouldn't have people who are proud of being in the south, proud of their confederate history? Pardon me for saying, but that is just ignorant.
The OP lives and works in the North, very far away from any southern towns. It is not nice or respectful to refer to others' actions as "ignorant" when one does not know the whole story.
Your wife is going to just have to understand. You are not going to be any good to her when they find you hanging from a tree or shot in cold blood. You all think im playing. I am so serious. I cant stop thinking about this. I really hope you leave. :'(
I'm so sorry, that you are being treated with any thing less than complete respect by your fellow staff members. I too am a minority, I am Jewish, it's easier to "hide" my differences, because I look like all the other "white folk" but I feel that hiding is very disrespectful to everyone that has put their life on the line and died so that I can be free! This is quite a delima, do you give up and let them win? Would that put you at a disadvantage in getting another job? Or do you stick it out so that you can complete your year? Who can you talk to to alleviate this problem? Here are some suggestion, like noses we all have suggestions! The BON or/ and the ACLU, I would recommend the local law enforcement but this problem is most likely prevalent there too. I will say this if you EVER feel threatened and feel that you are in danger, please, please get out!! DO NOT stay where you are not safe!! Also, please keep us posted here! Shalom!
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!!
Thank you for your reply. I can imagine that discrimination from other POC can be just as bad as from others. Wow. I'm learning lots but it still is something that is sad.
Can I ask what part of the country you are in? I'm super curious because I'm a black nursing student interested in travel nursing and I would like to know what parts of the country to avoid. Life is way to short to deal with racist bigoted people!
Personally, I'd stick it out. I took a contract in a very urban area where I was "the white dude"... no name, no other identifier, just the white dude. The things that were said to my face were unbelievable, but I made a commitment to do a job and I did that job.
When you take a job you need to do a little research... did you honestly think a southern town wouldn't have people who are proud of being in the south, proud of their confederate history? Pardon me for saying, but that is just ignorant.
Yeah, you missed where the OP said he's living in NY I guess.
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?
This will buld you up make you a stronger person and also it made me a very good nurse.Better than my mentor just concentrate in you patients.Find comfort in nursing your patients well.All your minority patients will benefit a lot from you.Racism is everywhere as long as you are a foreign nurse you will see this a lot.
Openmindedrn
1 Post
Try to stick it out for as long as you can. I had very similar experiences on two of the best jobs a newer nurse could ask for. I hover ever, get panic attacks, visibly shaking, things falling from my hand, stuttering... While nurses laugh to my face. I ended up leaving both positions for long term care. I've considered my career ruined because I couldn't deal. Try for one year. I'm praying for you.