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 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.
Thank you for your comment. I couldn't and still can't believe it myself. I didn't think that I would be experiencing things to this nature. You are right, I don't feel like becoming a poster child at this point in time. It's hard to walk away from this job since I struggled to get my first RN experience to begin with. I am just so anxious most times and I don't feel safe.
From your description, it sounds like a toxic place. On the linguistic note, however, the phrase "slave driver" is fairly commonly used by American Caucasians, without any racial implications. It merely means a hard taskmaster.
The other comments you describe sound pretty obnoxious. But, as an unofficial allnurses grammarian, and English language pest, I thought I'd chime in.
Racism is absolutely ridiculous, immature, and just downright stupid! I really hate hearing that this type of behavior still occurs. I would get out NOW. Your safety is at risk.
I am soooo sorry this is happening to you. I truly to sympathize. It's not easy to move from a diverse environment/ urban city, to a rural, middle of nowhere town with a homogenous population. But I agree with TheCommuter in that your options will be limited with less than a year of experience. I understand and validate your fear that speaking up will cause more problems. I hope you have a support system who comes to visit you often and people to talk to and vent to. You are in my thoughts and know that you're not alone fam. You will get through and be more resilient than ever! Focus on patient care, and being the best nurse you can be. Best of luck to you.
As a white southern female let me first apologize that you have experienced this type of bigot uneducated behavior.
Have you mentioned to your coworker that these inappropriate comments are uncalled for and you would like for them to stop. Growing up in the south I can speak to the fact that they really may not know any better. I was raised to think in the same manner as your coworkers and really didn't know any better until I got out of the small town and into the real world.
If that doesn't stop the comments then it would be time to go up your chain of command and use words like discrimination and hostile work enviornment.
If you're close to a year, it might look good on the resume to stick it out, but if you've only been there 2-3 months, maybe you can make up another good plausible reason (well, one that SOUNDS plausible :^) to say on your next interview. Sounds like you're working in a situation you'll be glad to have in your rear-view mirror. Good luck!
Racism is absolutely ridiculous, immature, and just downright stupid! I really hate hearing that this type of behavior still occurs. I would get out NOW. Your safety is at risk.
Are the supervisors this way too?
You have a right to have a good work environment.
Thank you for your reply. The supervisors are neutral and appear to be nice. The hospital is very short staffed so maybe being any other way would not be in their best interest. The other day I overheard a patient speaking very loudly to a nurse manager, he said " I almost punched me a N****r last night." She smiled and said "oh you did," Gleefully. I was in earshot. She said nothing to me. I just don't know how this is ok, today.
Thank you for your reply. The supervisors are neutral and appear to be nice. The hospital is very short staffed so maybe being any other way would not be in their best interest. The other day I overheard a patient speaking very loudly to a nurse manager, he said " I almost punched me a N****r last night." She smiled and said "oh you did," Gleefully. I was in earshot. She said nothing to me. I just don't know how this is ok, today.
It is NOT okay today or ever. Serious respect to you for managing to go in each day.
I am soooo sorry this is happening to you. I truly to sympathize. It's not easy to move from a diverse environment/ urban city, to a rural, middle of nowhere town with a homogenous population. But I agree with TheCommuter in that your options will be limited with less than a year of experience. I understand and validate your fear that speaking up will cause more problems. I hope you have a support system who comes to visit you often and people to talk to and vent to. You are in my thoughts and know that you're not alone fam. You will get through and be more resilient than ever! Focus on patient care, and being the best nurse you can be. Best of luck to you.
Thank you! I do have support and family to speak with. For now just take a day at a time and keep my eyes and ears out for opportunities. I just dont know if I can do a year. It's only been 5mos.
As a white southern female let me first apologize that you have experienced this type of bigot uneducated behavior.
Have you mentioned to your coworker that these inappropriate comments are uncalled for and you would like for them to stop. Growing up in the south I can speak to the fact that they really may not know any better. I was raised to think in the same manner as your coworkers and really didn't know any better until I got out of the small town and into the real world.
If that doesn't stop the comments then it would be time to go up your chain of command and use words like discrimination and hostile work enviornment.
Thank you for your reply. I have been too timid and scared to speak up for myself. Due to the fact that I am so new and just want to do my job. I feel like more and more I will HAVE to say something because going home at night feeling badly is not a good feeling.
None of this sounds very subtle to me. There are managers who will in fact tell everyone that they are hiring non-white nurses in the "name of diversity" which sets people up to believe this nonsense. The powers that be need to stop throwing around the diversity label, and instead hire based on skill as opposed to anything else. I am in a pretty progressive area, however.
"I am sorry, I did not hear you correctly, you said my BLACK CARD??!!"
"Things will get stolen from me? I am not clear on what that means"
I continue to be shocked an amazed at how much discrimination exists in this day and age. But it is there. If you fear for your safety, you won't have a choice as to make other arrangements to go home. AFTER you report this to the compliance/ethical reporting system of your parent company.
If you call the preceptor out--by questioning the intent, it could be what you need to take control of this foolishness. If you have a union, also go to them. They can help give you some protection going forward. For every person of color there also can be others that are facing similar circumstances due to being LGBT, a male in a female dominated profession, a disabled person.....
I am sorry that this is happening to you. It is not right, shouldn't have to be what you are concerned about while going to work, and shouldn't be tolerated on any level.
If you are still in your probationary period, you can in some circumstances leave during this time for any reason, or no reason. I would look at your options. Life is too short to have to deal with grown butt people who are bigots.
ChutneyFries, BSN, RN
153 Posts
Thank you for your comment. I couldn't and still can't believe it myself. I didn't think that I would be experiencing things to this nature. You are right, I don't feel like becoming a poster child at this point in time. It's hard to walk away from this job since I struggled to get my first RN experience to begin with. I am just so anxious most times and I don't feel safe.