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?
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.
i was thinking more on the lines that they were not aware. stay safe. (is my age showing?, i hope that is all it is..)
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??
Luckily, I have a very independent wife and she is able to handle finances well without my added pay. If I were to just quit, I'd be ok for a little while. I just don't want to ruin my very young career. If I were to explain this situation to a prospective employer would it look badly or like I couldn't manage conflict?
Not sure about the BON. I have not thought about that angle. Hmmm.
Luckily, I have a very independent wife and she is able to handle finances well without my added pay. If I were to just quit, I'd be ok for a little while. I just don't want to ruin my very young career. If I were to explain this situation to a prospective employer would it look badly or like I couldn't manage conflict?
Not sure about the BON. I have not thought about that angle. Hmmm.
All you have to do is be honest. Let a potential employer know how you felt at your job without getting too detailed. Or you can simply say the facility was not the right fit for you, that you want more out of your nursing career.
This is not simply an issue of not being able to manage conflict. This is a hostile work environment.
All you have to do is be honest. Let a potential employer know how you felt at your job without getting too detailed. Or you can simply say the facility was not the right fit for you, that you want more out of your nursing career.
This is not simply an issue of not being able to manage conflict. This is a hostile work environment.
You're right. I hope that I'd be able to land something rather soon. I will take a step back (LTC or other non-hospital jobs) to feel safe.
I hope this doesn't come across wrong, but what I understand from your post is that you want to move because your preceptor is racist and you have seen Confederate flags on a couple of trucks?
It's a lot of work to move. It may be easier to deal with the problems than run from them.
I would talk to your preceptor and let her know how uncomfortable her racist remarks made you. If she isn't receptive, explain that if you hear them again you will be reporting her. It is illegal to harass someone or make them uncomfortable at work because of race.
Also, Confederate flags are a symbol of a culture, not aimed at you personally. I don't agree with it, and I'm sorry it's hurtful to you. They aren't going away anytime soon, though. If you can ignore the flags, you'll be less stressed.
If you find that the problem is getting worse, and not better, or if you are so uncomfortable that you can't deal, then definitely leave for your own wellbeing. You may find, though, that fighting racism will give you more confidence in yourself.
If this was a typical situation like stress from poor staffing or inappropriately high acuity patients, then I would encourage sticking it out for a year. However, in your case I don't think this is something to just ride out for a year. You are there to be a nurse, not to be abused. Nor to be a change agent for their racist worldview. You are not weak in any way, this is not a lack of psychological strength...this reflects only on THEM as a person.
morte, LPN, LVN
7,015 Posts
i was thinking more on the lines that they were not aware. stay safe. (is my age showing?, i hope that is all it is..)