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?
You cannot reason with someone who is unreasonable
True. But we can at least start the process. If rebuffed, hey, we tried. And there is always prayer. We just should not assume, prejudge, determine before interacting that someone is unreasonable based on appearance, age, etc.
True. But we can at least start the process. If rebuffed, hey, we tried. And there is always prayer. We just should not assume, prejudge, determine before interacting that someone is unreasonable based on appearance, age, etc.
Absolutely. Far was referring to members of the KKK, a group specifically known for prejudging based on skin color, so clearly they are already unreasonable.
I have tried to reason with many people before realizing that they would not accept that my opinion was different from theirs and we could both be OK with that. I no longer attempt to reason with those specific people. And after repeating the same words over and over, one can get to the point where they don't want to try to explain their position again, even to someone who is listening with an open mind.
For example, I believe the basic manners involves treating people with respect and not saying things that may come off as offensive. I have had many a conversation with people who feel that political correctness has "gone too far" and infringes on their right to free speech. I have explained my point to deaf ears more times than I can count and I don't want to do it anymore. So when I hear someone say that political correctness is not something they agree with, I no longer try to have a conversation about it.
try corporate compliance hotline, discrimination has no place here! perhaps you could confront those making remarks-"I don't understand what you mean, could you clarify?"
I am so sorry you are experiencing this........... Life is so short, do you really want to deal with these jerks longer than you have to?
When I returned to Canada from the US, I ended up in a small rural town. Since I wasn't from there it was hell. My 3 month assessment came at 6 months and basically said I was the worst nurse ever. (I later learned they were just tying to teach me a lesson, what I don't know)
I told the manager that if I was the worst nurse ever then I was probably too dangerous to work in the facility......And I quit. They were very surprised, they didn't think I would do that. They ended up short staffed like crazy for the rest of the summer.... I don't stay where I am not wanted. I've learned that bullies come in all shapes...... I'd leave and go somewhere else..... Start sending resumes and applying before you quit...... I was so mad I just quit right there and I was out of work for about a month.......
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.
I'm not sure that a year of this would enhance you in any way.
If they're being hateful it might also mean they try to get you fired or they call the state on you with some nitpicking complaint so putting up with them for a year would be self-destructive.
Kooky Korky, BSN, RN
5,216 Posts
True. But we can at least start the process. If rebuffed, hey, we tried. And there is always prayer. We just should not assume, prejudge, determine before interacting that someone is unreasonable based on appearance, age, etc.