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?
Just like when a white person goes to a big city, he/she might feel threatened. Not trying to offend, but you being black and going to a small town is the same as a white person from the midwest going to a big city.
Just like when a white person goes to a big city, he/she might feel threatened. Not trying to offend, but you being black and going to a small town is the same as a white person from the midwest going to a big city.
Try as I might, I can't find any logic in this statement.
I wanted to let all of the very supportive people who left comments of this thread know what is going on.
I have been offered a position at a hospital close to home and have given notice.
More racist comments have been made in the span of time in between writing this post. I've addressed some but I'm tired guys. I can't sit and wait around and educate every single ignorant bigot I meet.
The new hospital will be a better experience and I will make the best of it.
Once again, to all the folks that left me encouragement and hope, a BIG THANK YOU!
ChutneyFries, I'm glad you're leaving that horrible place. Although I'm not African-American, I've worked in some incredibly homophobic hospital environments before - and no, it's not the same thing as being challenged by racism, I know that. But I wish you the best and hope you find a great team of co-workers to work with. I myself prefer an ethnically and racially diverse workplace. I might be going to Southern California after all. These Midwestern winters depress the hell out of me...
I wanted to let all of the very supportive people who left comments of this thread know what is going on.
I have been offered a position at a hospital close to home and have given notice.
More racist comments have been made in the span of time in between writing this post. I've addressed some but I'm tired guys. I can't sit and wait around and educate every single ignorant bigot I meet.
The new hospital will be a better experience and I will make the best of it.
Once again, to all the folks that left me encouragement and hope, a BIG THANK YOU!
Congratulations, fantastic news! Good luck! I hope you enjoy it very much.
So glad you were able to find something close to home. Nice to not need to worry about relocating since you have family where you are. I sincerely hope your new work home will be a much better place!
I know someone being harrassed by hr and others etc. because she is in a lot of pain and they would just love to get rid of her.She bought and carried in her pocket a small tape recorder that she could turn on easily. Fortunately it never got go the point that she had to take this to anyone (an attorney-not anyone in any way associated with the hospital).Just a thought
I did a travel assignment years ago in Florida and I was interviewed and hired over the telephone. There were no other minority nurses. When I went to pick up my keys they were so shocked. They were not friendly or especially helpful but being a travel nurse you didn't always get treated well. I was called the n word by a pt. it wasn't a friendly or welcoming atmosphere. I would not do it for a year. I would be seeking another job while still employed. If you felt the nurses would have your back during a crisis at work and treat you with respect it may be worth it, but if you are stressed or worried it may not be worth it. Minorities have a history of working under adverse conditions and rising above it. Unfortunately we still dealwith this. You can't change ignorant people. Good luck with your career, remember you do have choices.🤔
After the way Trump talks about minorities, you can't believe it? He is supported by bigots and racists. Small hospitals and businesses can have a pervasive atmosphere that is intolerant to minorities. They may accept minorities as janitors and maids and gardeners and usually they aren't seen. You have doctors and management who are all white and intolerant to minorities as nurses and doctors.
This kind of behavior is unacceptable, especially in the workplace. Bring it to the attention of management. If they do not resolve the issue you have every right to break your contract. The vehicles waving the confederate flag are showing pride for their heritage not racism.
heron, ASN, RN
4,663 Posts
No, it isn't. Google "racial profiling".