What to do?!

[luv4nurses]

I am in a situation and I would like advice on what to do. I have been a nurse for 16 years and have never had to deal with this sensitive issue. I have been at a facility for over a year now and have had no disciplinary or attendance problems. I have had many praises from co-workers, patients and their families alike. The reason I am stating these things will unfold shortly. Also, this is a non unionized facility and they pride themselves on this. I am a full time nurse and have been so since starting there.I always go to the floor where I am assigned without any trouble. 95% of the nurses who are full time have permanent units. I asked if I could have a permanent unit so as to have better continuity of patient car but was quickly told by the DON that no one has a permanent unit. Of course being new at the time of inquiry (4 months) I relented. Shortly thereafter a new nurse was hired and I found out that they were assigned a permanent unit. When asked I was told they are a 12 hr nurse and that unit utilizes 12 hr nurses, preferably. Well soon thereafter an 8 hr nurse was hired and given a permanent spot and within the last 3 weeks another nurse has been hired and given a permanent spot while I float. The common denominator in all this is that all the nurses are white and I am black. I absolutely HATE thinking that this is the case but there have been rumors of the subtle racism, which I tried to dismiss and give the management a chance but it is becoming more overt and I would like to know anyone's opinion. The last nurse who brought this issue up was promptly labeled a troublemaker and left because thay started to do things making it hard for her. Am I wrong or am I making something from nothing. It appears that no permanent units apply only only to me while the white nurses are given permanent units. Should I be quiet or should I stand firm and get an answer as to what is going on?

[SillyLilly]

That is WIERD.

Was the nurse who was labled a troublemaker black as well?

I or you do not know whats inside of the administrations head. But if the issue is racism, and they realize it (they may not, but still act that way) they would not admit to it.

I do not know what you should do, but always stand strong for yourself and your principles, and for your patients.

[aileenve, ASN, RN]

First, under what circumstance were you hired? Were you hired as a "float/pool" nurse?, if not, when these positions opened, did you apply? If you applied, they need to give a reason you didn't receive consideration. You need to discuss this with your immediate supervisor, and if you do not receive satisfaction, you need to file a complaint with EEO. A lot of hospitals (mine especially) love to keep people in positions that are hard to staff...so when a job opening comes they don't want you to leave the unit you are on...get the picture?

[luv4nurses]

Yes, I applied for the open positions and I was hired as a full time status NOT a floater or pool nurse.

[ERNP]

I, also, hate to think that anything like this could still be happening. I hate to think it, but sometimes I DO think it and it makes me sad and angry.

I think it would be necessary to have a conversation with your supervisor and just get her take on what the permanent unit means for those employees. Is she aware this is being considered a permanent assignment? If she is aware, I wouldn't ask her why you didn't get a permanent assignment, gives her too much advanced warning to start making stuff up. I would simply make a call to the EEOC and explain the situation to them. Assuming you wouldn't stay and be just as happy under the current arrangement.

If you choose this route, you must be aware that you may not have a job when the dust settles. In the employment enviroment you described they can get rid of you for anything from using the wrong toothpaste to wiping your rear end with the wrong hand.

Basically, the EEOC would be the agency to investigate such complaints. If the complaints are found to be valid there would be hefty fines and potential loss of government funds for operation. Including having the ability to be a Medicare provider stripped from the institution.

[sanctuary, BSN, MSN, RN]

Yes, it is probably racism, ugly as it might seem. Depends on which ares of the country you are in whether or not they are aware of it. Sometimes goes under the heading of "gut feeling" or "poor fit" for certain positions. Collect the evidence, get dates, names of nurses and the positions that they were given, and the number of times that you float. Try to pin down the date that you were told that it was limited to 12 hour shifts, and all the 8s that have been filled since. Since what you are suggesting is politically incorrect, it takes LOTS OF HARD DATA to make anybody admit it. If EEOC seems sluggish, get an attorney. If it looks like a duck, sounds like a duck, and waddles like a duck, it ain't a chicken.

[sanctuary, BSN, MSN, RN]

And here's a :icon_hug: :icon_hug: or two for you. Let us know what happens.

[augigi, CNS]

I would put in writing a request for a permanent assignment, listing the facts as you have stated them. I wouldn't mention others starting and getting one, but limit it to my case. ie. hired as fulltime permanent, been there for X amount of time, would like to get better continuity of care. I would also write that if this request is denied, could you schedule a meeting with the person who makes the assignments to find out the reasons why. Get it in writing.

PS: I'd only do this if I really liked working there. Otherwise, there are too many jobs to stay in one that isn't what you want. At least this way you could tell your next employer you left because there were no permanent assigments available.