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 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.
Thank you! I will do that. I will keep trudging along and remember why I wanted to become a nurse in the first place. I will however document! Until I find a more suitable place to work, and leave the situation. There is no union there and I feel like there isn't really support there.
The OP is in a Northern state, not in the South. Bigotry can be found in all 50 states.
I agree bigotry can be found in all 50 states and am in no way saying racism is exclusive to one area. Just speaking to my experience. My in laws are from the north and my step father in law is a piece of work and made more than one inappropriate comment about my friend (who happens to be black) at our wedding before I kicked him out. Just picture in your mind the stereotypical big southern wedding and ball gown wedding dress bride yelling at her brand new in laws to get the h*** out
Racism ticks me off because we are all human regardless of the color of our skin. I guess I just see both sides being raised the way I was and choosing a different path. Not saying it's right just saying they really may not know any better and may not have a clue how it affects OP on an emotional level.
I agree bigotry can be found in all 50 states and am in no way saying racism is exclusive to one area. Just speaking to my experience. My in laws are from the north and my step father in law is a piece of work and made more than one inappropriate comment about my friend (who happens to be black) at our wedding before I kicked him out. Just picture in your mind the stereotypical big southern wedding and ball gown wedding dress bride yelling at her brand new in laws to get the h*** out
Racism ticks me off because we are all human regardless of the color of our skin. I guess I just see both sides being raised the way I was and choosing a different path. Not saying it's right just saying they really may not know any better and may not have a clue how it affects OP on an emotional level.
Wow! It's true they may not know. I sure do brush it off like it doesn't hurt when it does.
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.
I don't know, I kind of feel like this advice discounts the legitimacy of psychological trauma and its physical repercussions. The OP said s/he is now having panic attacks before shifts. I agree that it may be a better short-term career move to get the year of experience, but if s/he is sacrificing mental health to do so, that in itself could have career ramifications. Not to mention poorer physical outcomes! Unfortunately this is a situation in which the best option isn't very clear, and it's impossible to give good advice one way or the other without knowing how much abuse a person can tolerate and the real-life implications of making a valid HR complaint.
Dear OP: I am *so sorry* this is happening to you. While you make your decision/if you decide to stay, I hope you can manage to keep taking care of yourself in all ways possible. Have you considered any sort of counseling services to perhaps boost your resilience? Best of luck.
I didn't get a chance to read all the responses but I know where you're coming from. I visited Tennessee to check out a school and the area. Being from the mid-west, I wasn't sure what to expect. I really enjoyed the school but I did experience more than an expected amount of racism while I was in the surrounding area. Major turn off and I ended up not applying to the school. Like one of the commentors said, leaving can make it hard to find a job but you'll eventually find one. And I'd take difficulty finding a job over a) racism b) safety c) happiness at work. Good luck
I don't know, I kind of feel like this advice discounts the legitimacy of psychological trauma and its physical repercussions. The OP said s/he is now having panic attacks before shifts. I agree that it may be a better short-term career move to get the year of experience, but if s/he is sacrificing mental health to do so, that in itself could have career ramifications. Not to mention poorer physical outcomes! Unfortunately this is a situation in which the best option isn't very clear, and it's impossible to give good advice one way or the other without knowing how much abuse a person can tolerate and the real-life implications of making a valid HR complaint.
Dear OP: I am *so sorry* this is happening to you. While you make your decision/if you decide to stay, I hope you can manage to keep taking care of yourself in all ways possible. Have you considered any sort of counseling services to perhaps boost your resilience? Best of luck.
Thanks for this reply! This is my first time actually acknowledging what has been going on. I have not even told my wife because I don't want her to worry about me so much. I have been thinking of reaching out to a therapist/counselor for other reasons and this is definitely added to the list. The mind body connection is absolutely REAL.
I didn't get a chance to read all the responses but I know where you're coming from. I visited Tennessee to check out a school and the area. Being from the mid-west, I wasn't sure what to expect. I really enjoyed the school but I did experience more than an expected amount of racism while I was in the surrounding area. Major turn off and I ended up not applying to the school. Like one of the commentors said, leaving can make it hard to find a job but you'll eventually find one. And I'd take difficulty finding a job over a) racism b) safety c) happiness at work. Good luck
Thank you for your reply! This is a sad reality in this day and age.
I don't know, I kind of feel like this advice discounts the legitimacy of psychological trauma and its physical repercussions. The OP said s/he is now having panic attacks before shifts. I agree that it may be a better short-term career move to get the year of experience, but if s/he is sacrificing mental health to do so, that in itself could have career ramifications. Not to mention poorer physical outcomes! Unfortunately this is a situation in which the best option isn't very clear, and it's impossible to give good advice one way or the other without knowing how much abuse a person can tolerate and the real-life implications of making a valid HR complaint.
Dear OP: I am *so sorry* this is happening to you. While you make your decision/if you decide to stay, I hope you can manage to keep taking care of yourself in all ways possible. Have you considered any sort of counseling services to perhaps boost your resilience? Best of luck.
I didn't say my opinion would be popular. And while I agree that utilizing counseling resources would be useful; I cannot help but to take notice of murky water regarding the degree of what is being experienced by the OP.
Tolerance of, and coping mechanisms when dealing with adversity almost come standard with the melanin. It's clearly not ideal to remain at that location long term. Yet, at 5 months in, it becomes a debate as to whether risking future prospects is worthwhile.
do your coworkers know that you are married to a local? is it possible that knowing that would ease your situation? if first answer is no, and second yes, would having your father-in-law meet you for lunch in the hospital cafeteria help? frankly i am more fearful for you now that i know you are male.... good luck.
I don't have any advice but I wanted to say I am so sorry you are going through this!! The vile, offensive things others say and do in no way reflect your strength or abilities and they don't define you. Stay strong!!
do your coworkers know that you are married to a local? is it possible that knowing that would ease your situation? if first answer is no, and second yes, would having your father-in-law meet you for lunch in the hospital cafeteria help? frankly i am more fearful for you now that i know you are male.... good luck.
My coworkers know of my wife and in-laws, and I am not sure how bringing my father-in-law to work would ease the situation. However, I feel that these racial issues are part of the status quo. Not having much diversity to begin with doesn't help the situation. Whether married to a white person, I'm still black and 'other'. Sad but true.
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.
I know you don't want your wife or in-laws to worry but I'd let them know what is going on...your safety, happiness, and well-being are the important factors here. Can the in-laws help financially until you can find a job? Or is your wife able to support you all until you find a job?
Would the board of nursing have any advice? Does anybody know if the board helps with issues like this??
While you make your decision/if you decide to stay, I hope you can manage to keep taking care of yourself in all ways possible. Have you considered any sort of counseling services to perhaps boost your resilience? Best of luck.
ChutneyFries, BSN, RN
153 Posts
Thank you! I will do that. I will keep trudging along and remember why I wanted to become a nurse in the first place. I will however document! Until I find a more suitable place to work, and leave the situation. There is no union there and I feel like there isn't really support there.