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?
I was just going to say this. Log everything dates, times, names, comments, reactions. Don't advertise it or keep it where those folks can find it. When you hit that year mark you go to HR if it becomes where it can no longer be tolerated or you become a target go earlier. These folks won't know what hit them. I'm so sorry that you have to work in a "hostile work environment" (remember that phrase for HR as well. This hospital could be sued and you have a very valid lawsuit should it get to that. Good Luck and remember these bigots do not define you but only themselves every time they speak.
Forgive me, Mom To 4, but I think this would not serve OP well. She needs to just be the best nurse and best person she can be. She needs to work on her own shortcomings and get on with her life.
Particularly if her in-laws are white, she is likely going to continue encountering some degree of ignorance and stupidity for a while, as people find that she is in a mixed marriage. Some people aren't accepting about things like this. Yeah, we should be farther along in this regard, it seems, but it is what it is. Hitler said it would take time to build his 1000 year Reich, so I guess 60 years of racial change in America isn't all that long. And we have seen tremendous change. We're not quite all the way there yet, but change has happened and will continue to happen each day.
OP, forgive me, but I wonder if maybe you might, on some level, to some degree, have expected to meet with what you consider racist remarks or behaviors. Not saying it's so, just wondering if your subconscious expectations are being met. I have no way of knowing, it's just something to think about.
As a black male nurse, older, nearing retirement, I have certainly had to deal with stereotypes. The thing is, everyone, whatever age, gender, religion, race, or political views, has to. The non-AA people you work with each have different views. Susie's view isn't the same as Sally's, although both are white. [i wonder if you are lumping all of the non-AA's together, just as you think they all lump AA's together. And don't we all, no matter what our color, gender, degrees after our names, etc. do it to one degree or another? I try hard not to judge a book by its cover, I try to get to know a person before drawing conclusions, I try not to pre-judge or assume. It's not always easy, try though I do].
And so what if they do think alike? Ignorant remarks, crude remarks seem to be emanating from mouths and hearts other than your own. You are not responsible for them. Just be who you are and, in time, you will win some or all of them over.
Many people face hazing of sorts when new on a job. As long as it isn't physical or criminal or getting you in trouble, just be bigger. That doesn't mean to suffer in silence. It means to speak up, nicely, when someone says you have a black card or something else that you find offensive. But do step one in the Nursing process - investigate. Assess. Get the person to state exactly what he or she means. Don't just take offense and be horrified and conclude (plan, implement plan, assess results, re-plan) the worst.
If the person says you can use your race to gain unfair advantage, then you know that's what she meant. But there just could be some other way she means it.
If it's the first meaning, use the opportunity to say that you are truly surprised to hear that, let her know how it hurts that she has assumed you would do that, and kindly, patiently educate her about how you intend to work hard and how you hope that you will become friends once she sees that you are a good, decent, smart, hard-working nurse.
The best boss I ever had was 30 years ago, an older AA woman who had come up in serious Jim Crow times. She went to the only AA Nursing school in her area. She endured plenty of hardship in her time. Yet, she was not bitter. She was kind and decent and taught me a lot not only about Nursing, but about life. It was just one sentence and she advised me with it whenever times were tough. She told me to Keep on steppin'. Just keep on steppin'. I can see her now, see her smile, hear her advice to all, AA, Caucasian, Asian, Hispanic - we were a diverse staff - and it was the same to all. Keep on stepping. She's saying it to you, my sister, OP.
Don't let anyone stand in your way. Don't let anybody turn you around. Keep a'going, Girl. Don't try to make the others bend your way. They will do that in time, on their own. (Read Proverbs 31 if you have a Bible and believe in it. Not trying to convert you, just offering IMHO)
Stand quietly and gently yet firmly in the peaceful knowledge that God loves you and He needs you in His service. And He gives you the strength required, the intelligence and skill to care for all of His children - those who are patients, those who are working there. Look to be a living example. Show forth His love through your well-chosen good words and deeds. In setting aside your own rights for total love and acceptance, you will win them back.
In His Love,
Brother Kooky Korky
Folks, it's only my opinion, no offense is intended. The topic is controversial, I know, but let's remain kind to each other.
I lived in California until I was close to 30. I married a guy from a very rural part of Alabama -- who definitely did NOT want "a girl just like the girl that married dear old dad" (the words from a very old song). His family never really understood what he saw in me -- and I believe I only went from being "that woman from California that he married" to "our daughter/sister-in-law" when our first child had the great good sense to be male.
I lived in the south -- Tennessee and Georgia -- for close to 30 years. I worked in inner city hospitals and rural places that were called hospitals but which I regretted ever applying to work at. The racism was endemic among the natives in all of those areas. And the effects of racism are visible. For instance, how does the average person you almost collide carts with at Walmart respond when you say, with your most friendly smile, "Oops!!! So sorry -- I really need to watch where I'm going."? In the south, if the other person is Black -- I usually get, at most, eye contact and maybe a muttered "OK" or similar. Where I most recently lived on the west coast I would at least sometimes get something like an equally friendly smile and a "That makes two of us!" Where racism is a big part of the fabric of life, Black people -- and any people of color -- learn early, and often the hard way, that they can't trust White people if they're strangers -- they're too unpredictable.
I've heard horror stories from all over the nation -- upper mid-west, deep south, rural northwest, every part of the country -- about places where people of color and immigrants aren't welcome. Places where travelers of color or with accents can buy snacks at a convenience store but are advised to be out of town before dark if they want to be safe. It's obscene, but it does still happen.
For the OP, I agree with the person who posted that you hit the real Trifecta -- Black, a nurse who's male, and married to a White woman. The only worse thing would be if you were married to a White man. Try to ignore the flags. The people who fly them often lie to themselves and believe their lies -- that it isn't the symbol of racism. And that they don't fly it to announce their convictions to themselves and others regarding who the first class citizens of this country are. For the comments at work, I'd suggest you think about playing "clueless wonder". Ask what that term means for things like the "race card". For the aide who says the patient who uses the N word is really quite nice otherwise, ask "In what ways do you think he'd be nice to me?" Whenever you perceive a racist comment from a co-worker, if at all possible ask the person to explain what it means or how it might apply to you. If you're more likely to have things stolen ask what you have done to cause that and the next time, maybe, what you might do to change that. For people who make it possible, be the friend you'd like them to be. To the extent possible, prove to patients that you are the kind of nurse they really want providing their care.
It isn't fair. It shouldn't happen. Unfortunately, this world isn't about fair. If you feel unsafe or if you see reasons to be concerned that your manager is looking for a reason to fire you, find a new job, ASAP. If you can endure where you are for long enough, you may get enough seniority to be in a position to work for changes in the culture of the hospital. If you leave, think about asking for an exit interview with the head of HR AND with the DON. Make photocopies of your journal entries to take to each interview and to leave with those people. In a dry, factual, nurse's note entry tone of voice and choice of words, explain to them what they might want to consider changing if they hope to correct any of their staffing issues by hiring nurses of color or nurses with foreign accents. Don't let them try to explain away by saying "I don't understand why you're upset -- that's just the way people here talk -- they don't mean anything by it." If necessary, ask them if they'd find it problematic working in a hospital where the rest of the staff was Black and they heard comments about themselves using their "White race card", for instance. Would they then decide that's just how people in THAT community talked and that THEY didn't mean anything by it. If the leadership at that hospital never gets told what is happening and what the effects of the comments are, it's a bit unrealistic to expect them to ever change. I'm not the kind of idealistic person who would think these things happen without the administration having a very good idea about them -- but putting into words to them that the events do hurt and they are why you're leaving may make it less easy for them to believe the lies they tell themselves.
Finally, you can consider a complaint to the NLRB (I think) or definitely to the Joint Commission. There's nothing like an official visit from someone who can essentially shut you down to make a hospital administration decide it might be time for some real change. Just a thought.
Best wishes for a long and rewarding career in nursing.
It is no different in the urban hospital. A black male nurse was singing the song "Jimmy Crack Corn" to white nurses which is a song about rejoicing because the "master" died. Also nurses will set up white nurses, and report them for the set up. So no sympathy here. Adapt and overcome!
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!
Everywhere you go, you will find people you like and some you don't. Expect that to be mutual no matter where you are.
If you behave in a self-respecting, dignified way and are a competent nurse, if you show no racism toward others, you will, in time, win over many people, if not all.
Go in expecting less than a perfect ride, but don't go in looking for trouble either, as you will pretty much find your expectations met.
And, generally, people will treat you the way you treat them. So be nice, be courteous, have a little sense of humor, and good luck wherever you go.
But reporting it might make it even worse if you are prepared for isolation well go on .Am a black British nurse been through the same for 14 years.Ask your union .The manager will pretend to support you as her duty while equipping those that you are reporting.
So disappointing that people, especially nurses (who took an ethical oath!) are conducting themselves so inappropriately. Stay the one year if you can, but know that no job is worth your safety (especially if it escalates).
It is your right to be treated with respect. You deserve it as much as any other nurse/human being. I'm sorry you aren't getting that.
Honestly, I am floored! I cannot believe anyone would treat anybody this way, regardless of race.
I'm so sorry that anyone would treat you this way. Keep your head up and please remember not everyone is as ignorant and intolerant as the people you have encountered. Hugs to you!
I am so sorry you're dealing with such backwards and hurtful behavior. It is very sad this kind of behavior still exists in 2016.
I am only beginning my nursing journey, as i start my nursing program in the summer so I don't have the same kind of insight as the nurses on here who work in hospitals etc but I do come from the corporate side of the world and with that here are a few things I would suggest.
I know you have only been there for 5 months, but your physical and mental safety is the number 1 priority and if you do decide to stay for the entire year, the potential harm you are exposing yourself, could far outweigh the concern a future employer would have about a 5 month stay at your previous job. Me personally, I would not risk it. If you do decide to leave, I would do everything in your power to properly document the behavior you have experienced towards you, so that when future employers ask why you decided to leave, everything you say could be verified by the current hospital you're at. (I don't know how much info can be given by them but you could always make copies of your formal complaints etc) I feel that a paper trail is so very important in this situation. I am sure you already know this, but make sure you give proper notice as required by your facility (2 week or more notice) so they won't say you aren't re hirable. I learned that the hard way years ago! Even if you did nothing wrong during your employment, if you don't give that proper notice, a lot of companies say they won't hire you back and that they will tell to the company or hospital inquiring about you.
Best of luck with your decision and if you decide to stay, just tell yourself everyday that it is only a temporary job and you are stronger than the ignorance around you!
After reading some of the comments (not all) I will add this one piece of advice. I was married to a white woman who grew up in a place with very little diversity. They were always trying to get us to move to the town. I assume you actually did just that or maybe you met her there and you were convinced to stay. Either which way, the former in-laws plan was to allow the environment to make me leave while retaining their child. That was a way of allowing the split to happen without "getting directly involved" and alienating their daughter. The reason I speak to this is because this may be your situation. The environment is toxic and may not change. It may actually become worse the longer you stay because you have not caught the "hint".
Tell your wife of what is happening...convey it to her how it makes you feel. Tell her that you are not comfortable in that environment any longer and you would like for the both of you to pursue opportunities elsewhere. Staying in that environment will only get worse. The off-hand comments will continue, especially since you did not challenge them in the beginning (and that was very wise). You will see subliminal signs that will become more profound because you are outnumbered by them. And even with that, they are still cowardly about what they do. In the end, your mental health is your prime concern. Leaving your career is not an option for you to do!! If you do this, they will win. Bigots do not want us in the workforce, they want us in the fields. This is the harsh reality of who they are, every time they see one of us "negroes" doing well in a career, they see a job that was "stolen" from another one of their "people". I spent several years analyzing the behavior of bigots and more importantly why they believe what they do. The only option is to leave, or they may become violent eventually when you do not catch the "hint".
I am sorry that this is happening to you, I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors and your career. I know things look bleak currently but it will look up soon. If you search for Hospital Corporation of America, many of their positions hire people straight out of school into med-surg. It may not be what you are looking for initially but you can actually get out of that situation, which is most definitely what you need to do. Good luck and God bless.
I signed up just so I could leave a comment to you. I am always disgusted by racism and I hate to hear that it is a thing in world still. It's terrible that you don't feel safe in your job. I think you have a great opportunity though, to teach these ignorant people that the things they are doing and saying are in fact racist and wrong. It is actually possible that they are so ignorant that they are unaware of their ridiculousness. I would definitely go through management for help if you are feeling unsafe. You are pioneering the way for people of all races to be able to work there in the future, hopefully, if you are able to continue to be strong and advocate for yourself. I hope things will change for the better. It is wrong that you should have to put up with such things and I'm sure you didn't sign up for extra work just because of the color of your skin. I hope things get better for you and that you can make it through your first year.
Sorry for what you are going through but your preceptor and those like her/him want you to leave that's why they are making those comments. They are afraid of change. They fear what you represent. For you to leave without a fight means they have won. They hope you are weak and will just bow down and quit. Look at every civil rights movie/book made (ex. Selma, The Butler, The Help). These were based off true stories and if Black people didn't fight back we would still be in that position today. They went through the same thing you are going through now except worse because they didn't have laws protecting us like we have now. We (meaning Black, Latino, Asian,females and any other non white race) have to enforce those laws when injustices occur. Don't let them (the racists at your job) get away with it. That's exactly what they want you to do. Don't just do it for you, do it for others that come after you and the patients of color that go there for care and possibly get mistreated as a patient. Here is a website you can go to:Dealing with Discrimination: Tips for Employees - FindLaw. I would notify HR and the EEOC at the same time. HR took part in hiring you so they know the law and have to do something about it. I would also check in with a civil/equal rights attorney as well as they can guide you on what to do. Companies have been sued in the past for allowing discrimination for millions of dollars. One such case happened to a female doctor being sexually harassed by other doctors. She wound up quitting then suing the company and won. But like some of the other commenters wrote, you need to write down who said what and when and keep any evidence that they used to taunt you. I would do all of this while looking for another job. Don't let them know that you are looking though. Keep that a secret or they will just wait for you to leave and do nothing. I heard it was hard for nurses to get jobs now especially if you have no experience. So, don't let them kick you out before you at least get a year under your belt although 2 yrs is better but just explain to your next job about the discrimination and they would surely understand.
Kooky Korky, BSN, RN
5,216 Posts
Forgive me, Mom To 4, but I think this would not serve OP well. She needs to just be the best nurse and best person she can be. She needs to work on her own shortcomings and get on with her life.
Particularly if her in-laws are white, she is likely going to continue encountering some degree of ignorance and stupidity for a while, as people find that she is in a mixed marriage. Some people aren't accepting about things like this. Yeah, we should be farther along in this regard, it seems, but it is what it is. Hitler said it would take time to build his 1000 year Reich, so I guess 60 years of racial change in America isn't all that long. And we have seen tremendous change. We're not quite all the way there yet, but change has happened and will continue to happen each day.
OP, forgive me, but I wonder if maybe you might, on some level, to some degree, have expected to meet with what you consider racist remarks or behaviors. Not saying it's so, just wondering if your subconscious expectations are being met. I have no way of knowing, it's just something to think about.
As a black male nurse, older, nearing retirement, I have certainly had to deal with stereotypes. The thing is, everyone, whatever age, gender, religion, race, or political views, has to. The non-AA people you work with each have different views. Susie's view isn't the same as Sally's, although both are white. [i wonder if you are lumping all of the non-AA's together, just as you think they all lump AA's together. And don't we all, no matter what our color, gender, degrees after our names, etc. do it to one degree or another? I try hard not to judge a book by its cover, I try to get to know a person before drawing conclusions, I try not to pre-judge or assume. It's not always easy, try though I do].
And so what if they do think alike? Ignorant remarks, crude remarks seem to be emanating from mouths and hearts other than your own. You are not responsible for them. Just be who you are and, in time, you will win some or all of them over.
Many people face hazing of sorts when new on a job. As long as it isn't physical or criminal or getting you in trouble, just be bigger. That doesn't mean to suffer in silence. It means to speak up, nicely, when someone says you have a black card or something else that you find offensive. But do step one in the Nursing process - investigate. Assess. Get the person to state exactly what he or she means. Don't just take offense and be horrified and conclude (plan, implement plan, assess results, re-plan) the worst.
If the person says you can use your race to gain unfair advantage, then you know that's what she meant. But there just could be some other way she means it.
If it's the first meaning, use the opportunity to say that you are truly surprised to hear that, let her know how it hurts that she has assumed you would do that, and kindly, patiently educate her about how you intend to work hard and how you hope that you will become friends once she sees that you are a good, decent, smart, hard-working nurse.
The best boss I ever had was 30 years ago, an older AA woman who had come up in serious Jim Crow times. She went to the only AA Nursing school in her area. She endured plenty of hardship in her time. Yet, she was not bitter. She was kind and decent and taught me a lot not only about Nursing, but about life. It was just one sentence and she advised me with it whenever times were tough. She told me to Keep on steppin'. Just keep on steppin'. I can see her now, see her smile, hear her advice to all, AA, Caucasian, Asian, Hispanic - we were a diverse staff - and it was the same to all. Keep on stepping. She's saying it to you, my sister, OP.
Don't let anyone stand in your way. Don't let anybody turn you around. Keep a'going, Girl. Don't try to make the others bend your way. They will do that in time, on their own. (Read Proverbs 31 if you have a Bible and believe in it. Not trying to convert you, just offering IMHO)
Stand quietly and gently yet firmly in the peaceful knowledge that God loves you and He needs you in His service. And He gives you the strength required, the intelligence and skill to care for all of His children - those who are patients, those who are working there. Look to be a living example. Show forth His love through your well-chosen good words and deeds. In setting aside your own rights for total love and acceptance, you will win them back.
In His Love,
Brother Kooky Korky
Folks, it's only my opinion, no offense is intended. The topic is controversial, I know, but let's remain kind to each other.