Still encountering racism on the job

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I love my job as a nurse and I would never think of doing anything else, but I am so sick of the stigma that I am not a real nurse because of my color. Maybe it's just the area that I live in, but 8 times out of 10 when I enter a patients room they automatically assume I am housekeeping or a CNA because of my race. I have also had a couple of pts. refuse to have a african american nurse.When will we learn to love eachother? Also can anyone give me the names of some minority friendly workplaces?

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Nursetl, do you work in a more rural area of Ohio or are you in a city? It's my opinion that more metropolitan areas have more diversity and are more tolerant. Not that we don't have racists in Philly-- but my nursing program is extremely diverse and the big teaching hospitals in the city have a large percentage of patients who are minorities. I am seeing more black nurses as well, but unfortunately nursing is still a white, female profession. I agree that we need more males and minorities in nursing! Come to Philly, we'll welcome you here! :cool:

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I live in a very rural part of Ohio, Ironton. We still have a swimming pool that doesn't allow blacks there. I am so out of here when school is out. The other day me, my hubby, and my kids were walking down the street, trying to take advantage of the nice weather while it lasted, and some car drove buy and called my 5 year old son a nigglette, I was so mad I chased the car, mind you I am not a small girl, and scared those people to death. Not one of my best moments, but I cant take much more especially when it's directed at my babies.

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My workplace is very diversified. All races, religions, so many countries represented...its nice!

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Oh my God!! Get out of that redneck town fast!!! :(

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BELIEVE ME I AM GONE AS SOON AS SCHOOL IS OVER!!!!!

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Nursetl2002, I live in Mason, Ohio-close to Cincinnati.I grew up in Columbus. I am ashamed to say I am an Ohio native after reading your post. Please know that all Ohioans do NOT feel as they seem to do in Ironton. How dare they have a swimming pool that would exclude ANYONE!!! I am so sorry.

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NO ONE should have to put up with racism. I live in a very small sorta redneck town and it bothers me to no end when people are racist. I have tried to raise my kids to not judge by color, and to not make fun of anyone, no matter what. My daughter is very good at standing up and speaking her mind when she hears racist comments at school. I think there are only 2 families of african americans in our very small town, and I am proud of how she does not tolerate any kids picking on the other kids from these 2 families. There is enough hate in this world that anyone, especially kids should have to even hear the N word or any other terrible word. I urge you to leave that town and never look back. You and your family deserve MUCH better than that!!

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Please, Please, Please get out of that town! My God that reminds me of my trip to my husbands hometown in Alabama -- had a similar situation while visiting his dying father at the local hospital. Thank goodness you are leaving when school is over. Stand strong in who and what you are! God Bless.

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Thanks you guys I really needed the encouragement! You all are gonna make me cry! God bless you also!:p

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Quote
Originally posted by katscan

Nursetl2002, I live in Mason, Ohio-close to Cincinnati.I grew up in Columbus. I am ashamed to say I am an Ohio native after reading your post. Please know that all Ohioans do NOT feel as they seem to do in Ironton. How dare they have a swimming pool that would exclude ANYONE! I am so sorry.

hey! I live close to you....l will PM you....care to share where you work?............Unbelievable in this day that a pool can be segregated...is that legal?...where the heck is Ironton anyway?....l work in dayton but l live about 20 min south of Cincy, seems pretty diverse to me too....but idiots can show up anywhere..know what l mean?........LR

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I work for a hospital about 10 miles from Ironton, ashland Ky, Kings Daughters Medical Center. Believe me kentucky isn't much better toward minorities either.

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