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.
It is indeed 1) still exists, and 2) tolerated. I witnessed and experienced it all in two places out of three I worked so far.
Rural teaching hospitals in economically run-down areas and religious-associated facilities are hot spots for rasism and xenophobia.
OP, for your future reference, before applying in a hospital, come to cafeteria any weekday at lunch time. Just sit for an hour in a corner and observe. If there are very few people of color in uniforms, AND especially if they do not mix but sit all together, AND especially if there is a big difference between local population demographics and those of hospital workforce, you may want to think twice before applying there.
Also, if a hospital has a document named "diversity statement" or "pledge of inclusion" or "tolerance oath" or something along this line posted on website, it means public confession of having, supporting and gladly promoting institutional rasism, xenophobia and intolerance. There are only two reasons to put such paper for everyone to see: EEOC action (aka punushment for known "events") or awaiting EEOC to act at any moment. Both have nothing to do with the said institutional culture.
Regarding your current situation, I would say for starting job search now. Five months is less than ideal, but your health must come first, and panic attacks are not a joke. Your management with 110% probability knows about it all. If they still did not act, then they (as it usually is) support and possibly initiate it.
Good luck, please find a way to get out of there soon!
Another word of advise, other than what Commuter said, is to keep a log of these outrageous comments, time, place, names, and what was said. Buy an official leather bound pocket log, good quality. Keep it in a safe place (not in your locker!), and don't let any coworkers know about it.
I suppose the long and short of it is that it's best in terms of your career prospects to get your year in. It does sound though like the treatment you are getting may warrant some intervention by HR. I'm not entirely sure though. I only say this because it sounds like what you are experiencing is more psychological in nature than physical. At least it doesn't sound as if there overt or implied threats to your person or your livelihood. On the surface your posts imply what seems to qualify as a hostile work environment and/or psychological games at play to make you uncomfortable. Having lived in a small, rural town I can relate. Been through similar things for sure.
My opinion may not be a popular one, but I'll share it anyway. Gauge the degree of what you are experiencing. It's unfortunately common to experience people and situations like this outside of urban areas. If you feel your safety is at risk, get out of there. However, if what we are talking about is not a direct threat to your person/livelihood, you'd be better served finishing your year and moving on. There are reasons that small, rural areas have great difficulty getting medical staff to stay. What you describe sadly is one of them.
I've been of the opinion for many years that HR is not your friend. Their job is to protect the employer's interests over those of the employee. So involving them could create more problems for you. Particularly in a small, rural hospital where everyone tends to stick together. Fighting through that is stressful. Not fun at all...
It is indeed 1) still exists, and 2) tolerated. I witnessed and experienced it all in two places out of three I worked so far.
Rural teaching hospitals in economically run-down areas and religious-associated facilities are hot spots for rasism and xenophobia.
OP, for your future reference, before applying in a hospital, come to cafeteria any weekday at lunch time. Just sit for an hour in a corner and observe. If there are very few people of color in uniforms, AND especially if they do not mix but sit all together, AND especially if there is a big difference between local population demographics and those of hospital workforce, you may want to think twice before applying there.
Also, if a hospital has a document named "diversity statement" or "pledge of inclusion" or "tolerance oath" or something along this line posted on website, it means public confession of having, supporting and gladly promoting institutional rasism, xenophobia and intolerance. There are only two reasons to put such paper for everyone to see: EEOC action (aka punushment for known "events") or awaiting EEOC to act at any moment. Both have nothing to do with the said institutional culture.
Regarding your current situation, I would say for starting job search now. Five months is less than ideal, but your health must come first, and panic attacks are not a joke. Your management with 110% probability knows about it all. If they still did not act, then they (as it usually is) support and possibly initiate it.
Good luck, please find a way to get out of there soon!
Thank you so much for this reply. You have a point. This hospital does have an inclusion type of document with diversity and such.... Hm, I never thought of this before. Observing the workers as well is really smart. I remember the first time I sat in the cafeteria and was stared at. I just ignored it. Feeling like well, I am new so.... But now it makes sense.
I'm actively looking for something closer to home. I just don't feel safe.
Another word of advise, other than what Commuter said, is to keep a log of these outrageous comments, time, place, names, and what was said. Buy an official leather bound pocket log, good quality. Keep it in a safe place (not in your locker!), and don't let any coworkers know about it.
I suppose the long and short of it is that it's best in terms of your career prospects to get your year in. It does sound though like the treatment you are getting may warrant some intervention by HR. I'm not entirely sure though. I only say this because it sounds like what you are experiencing is more psychological in nature than physical. At least it doesn't sound as if there overt or implied threats to your person or your livelihood. On the surface your posts imply what seems to qualify as a hostile work environment and/or psychological games at play to make you uncomfortable. Having lived in a small, rural town I can relate. Been through similar things for sure.
My opinion may not be a popular one, but I'll share it anyway. Gauge the degree of what you are experiencing. It's unfortunately common to experience people and situations like this outside of urban areas. If you feel your safety is at risk, get out of there. However, if what we are talking about is not a direct threat to your person/livelihood, you'd be better served finishing your year and moving on. There are reasons that small, rural areas have great difficulty getting medical staff to stay. What you describe sadly is one of them.
I've been of the opinion for many years that HR is not your friend. Their job is to protect the employer's interests over those of the employee. So involving them could create more problems for you. Particularly in a small, rural hospital where everyone tends to stick together. Fighting through that is stressful. Not fun at all...
I can see where you are right. Part of my justification for not calling these coworkers out was the fact that well, they didn't 'touch me'. But, no one should have to tolerate any type of harrassment whether that be psychological or physical. The thought of getting HR involved has not crossed my mind due to the smallness of this town. I figure if I act quietly and ignore I will be safe, but I guess in some ways that plan is not working.
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.
Unbelievable...you are very brave and have great strength...I would not be able to tolerate bigots like that.
I just wondered if you could talk to your supervisor, but apparently that is out of the question.
Unbelievable...you are very brave and have great strength...I would not be able to tolerate bigots like that.
I just wondered if you could talk to your supervisor, but apparently that is out of the question.
How did you end up in this town?
Thanks. My in-laws live in this town. They happen to be white. They suggested to try the hospital near them because I was having such a hard time in the city.
Another word of advise, other than what Commuter said, is to keep a log of these outrageous comments, time, place, names, and what was said. Buy an official leather bound pocket log, good quality. Keep it in a safe place (not in your locker!), and don't let any coworkers know about it.
You never know when it might come in handy.
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.
It's unfortunate, but very true that racism still exists!! It sickens me that you are going through this. I would definitely document every single racist event. You may want to contact a lawyer for advice from a more liberal state as well. California? Good luck to you.
KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN
1 Article; 2,675 Posts
It is indeed 1) still exists, and 2) tolerated. I witnessed and experienced it all in two places out of three I worked so far.
Rural teaching hospitals in economically run-down areas and religious-associated facilities are hot spots for rasism and xenophobia.
OP, for your future reference, before applying in a hospital, come to cafeteria any weekday at lunch time. Just sit for an hour in a corner and observe. If there are very few people of color in uniforms, AND especially if they do not mix but sit all together, AND especially if there is a big difference between local population demographics and those of hospital workforce, you may want to think twice before applying there.
Also, if a hospital has a document named "diversity statement" or "pledge of inclusion" or "tolerance oath" or something along this line posted on website, it means public confession of having, supporting and gladly promoting institutional rasism, xenophobia and intolerance. There are only two reasons to put such paper for everyone to see: EEOC action (aka punushment for known "events") or awaiting EEOC to act at any moment. Both have nothing to do with the said institutional culture.
Regarding your current situation, I would say for starting job search now. Five months is less than ideal, but your health must come first, and panic attacks are not a joke. Your management with 110% probability knows about it all. If they still did not act, then they (as it usually is) support and possibly initiate it.
Good luck, please find a way to get out of there soon!