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 am sorry to this is happening to you. I had a very similar experience in Memphis (my hometown). I was one of three white nurses and the other two left within my first few weeks of employment, so I didn't know them well. I was really sad about the situation because I thought I really wanted to stay local because my family was close by. We ended up leaving Memphis for Middle Tennessee. I did keep documentation after a couple months and one incident that occurred with me was actually caught on video, so HR and management did take action and that offender was terminated. Strange thing is that I did not report it, but it was a co-worker (someone that I thought was friends with the offender) instead. I didn't want to be seen as a tattle-tale, but I really wish I had spoken up for myself in hindsight. Don't be afraid to do what is best for you.
I'm sorry that you had to go through that. Hate is not cool! Ugh! Thanks for your reply!
As a "person (nurse) of color" and having given some 40 years to the profession, I can relate in some degree to the feelings you have expressed. Most of my experiences --working and advanced education- has been in the north. I have found that having another "like me" around, made things more bearable. You did not mention this--are you all alone in the workplace? If so, I feel your pain, and wish you strength to make the right decision when the times comes.
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.
The next employer will want nothing to do with OP. They'd think "trouble maker". IMHO
It's interesting that you don't mention whites as participating in enforcing anti-discrimination laws. Did you forget all the whites who were essential in helping MLK and other leaders of that era? And please remember the Freedom Riders and many others who gave of their time, money, and health to forward the cause of equality for black people.
Are whites all to blame? Are any whites ever helpful? It's problematic to me that you seem to not realize that there are many, many whites who helped and do now help advance the cause of freedom for AA's.
I once had a job (not nursing, but the reason I switched careers into nursing) where I was harassed, sent nasty e-mails, and given excessive duties because of the way I voted in a rural town. I had unfortunately failed to join the union that year which would have given me legal counsel. Because of the harassment and panic attacks that I was having, I left before the year was up. It ruined my career. I would suggest that you 1) get legal counsel or get that legal insurance policy thing 2) hang in there for at least a year, and then go somewhere else where you are not uncomfortable. I would also like to send you the best.
My heart goes out to you as a fellow woman of color. Sometimes things happen in our lives to mold us and shape us into what we will become. In the early 1980s in real rural Texas blacks were still going in the back door and there were separate waiting rooms at a couple of the doctor's offices in town! As a nurse at one of the local hospitals one doctor was so prejudice he would give verbal orders to a Caucasian housekeeper rather than give my orders to me on my unit! This too shall pass! Hold your head up with pride and dignity because "troubles don't last always!" You need what they have now and that's the one year experience to move on to a different setting. Learn all you can, grow and don't let this experience embitter you ! I wish you the best ; keep notes and logs of what happens and what's said in case things come back on you ; understand? Further your education and live your life to the fullest ! GOD BLESS you and praying for your survival in this toxic environment. Oh and by the way I'm 62 years old now, still nursing and have my MSN in nursing in spite of adversities! I no longer live in that God forsaken area but I can look back and smile to myself about the experience!
Verbal orders given to a housekeeper who, presumably, was not also a licensed nurse??? How did you deal with this? What did managers have to say about it? Did you accept those orders?
I am so sorry that you are experiencing racism in this day and age. I have 2 thoughts - first is to consider your safety. If the racism is just words perhaps try to tough it out and be the example to prove whatever they think wrong. If you are in fear for your safety (which I know is entirely possible), move on. The 2nd thought is if at all possible always have a job lined up before leaving. I've known too many people who quit a job then found it took them longer to find a new one than they expected. Don't make your situation worse by not planning. Best wishes!
The comments being directed towards you are rude and unprofessional so speak up. But, Research Battle Flag of Virginia. Thats the flag people are flying in their pickups and not the Confederate Flag. And for most it's only a southern pride thing and not a racial thing. I hope things get better for you.
Why do you all presume this man is in the South. He IS NOT. He said he is in the NE. Some of you have no room to comment because you obviously have your own prejudices.
ChutneyFries, BSN, RN
153 Posts
I'm sorry that you had to go through that. Hate is not cool! Ugh! Thanks for your reply!