Working with a racist

Town & Country · Jan 6, 2005

What race does this nurse make comments about?

What difference does THAT make?

Yeah I'm curious to hear the "outcome", too. I'm guessing nothing will be done. I'm sure everybody there already knows about it....JMO.

If anything, the OP will probably be out on her can....usually how things like this "work."

SusanJean · Jan 6, 2005

What to do when working with a racist? I have told this woman I do not wish to hear her inappropriate comments anymore , yet she persists. She has said some very horrible things and when I brought this to the attention of the DON , she waved me away saying " she's one of our best nurses . What other steps could I take while maintaing my professionalism to stop this behavior?

Can't say it would maintain professionalism, but how about zapping her w/ a cattle prod every time she makes a comment that is inappropriate?

Seriously, I would write down what she said, the time she said it, any witnesses and keep a log. Then, take it to DON and HR... THis is if you get no response from previous actions.

Blackcat99 · Jan 6, 2005

I would tell her "You have the right to remain silent so shut the f### up."

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Jan 6, 2005

What race does this nurse make comments about? I can't believe that this is acceptable to publically air these days, although I had a nurses aide tell me that Catholics in some countries worship Satan, and she knows I'm Catholic. (Her Pastor told her, you know, she goes to the 'Cowboy Church') I suggested to her that we not discuss religion, thank you very much. She can't help it though, poor thing. The latest comment she made to another guy was that she and him would be getting raptured soon (I guess I would be 'Left Behind')

First time anyone made a remark that offended me personally about my faith was when a member of one of the recently evolved born-again protestant churches (arrived in the last 50-75 years or so) remarked that Catholicism was "a heathen religion."

Oooookaaaaaaay! (Cowboy Church. lol)

About working with the racist nurse, this is creating a hostile working environment for you. You have asked her to stop. She persists.

You now have an EOE complaint, because she is offending you, you have asked her to stop and she has persisted.

Hope you get somewhere with HR or somebody else in Admin. I guess if that doesn't work, take your documentation to the BON. (Got a hide-able tape recorder? Sorry, just watched Alias.)

Good luck.

xmaxiex · Jan 16, 2005

Can you believe ....... Now I am being floated off my own floor ! I honestly get the feeling they are trying to make me quit . Also the DON , ADON and quite a few of the seasoned nurses pass me in the hallway without speaking . I wasn't rude , I didn't lose my cool why am I being punished ? I swear I am rethinking my nursing career altogether! I cannot stand these childish games .

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Jan 16, 2005

Can you believe ....... Now I am being floated off my own floor ! I honestly get the feeling they are trying to make me quit . Also the DON , ADON and quite a few of the seasoned nurses pass me in the hallway without speaking . I wasn't rude , I didn't lose my cool why am I being punished ? I swear I am rethinking my nursing career altogether! I cannot stand these childish games .

Sadly, this does not surprise me one bit. As soon as you mentioned the initial response by your DON, I got the gut feeling that they don't care, and you were causing trouble.

I agree with Chris on this ...as WELL as

I would tell her "You have the right to remain silent so shut the f### up."

Seriously, you DO have the right not to be offended by such trashtalk, and I would be persuing this to the max.

jeepgirl, LPN, NP · Jan 17, 2005

Can you believe ....... Now I am being floated off my own floor ! I honestly get the feeling they are trying to make me quit . Also the DON , ADON and quite a few of the seasoned nurses pass me in the hallway without speaking . I wasn't rude , I didn't lose my cool why am I being punished ? I swear I am rethinking my nursing career altogether! I cannot stand these childish games .

could it have just been your turn to float?

nursemike, ASN, RN · Jan 17, 2005

As much fun as it sounds, the concealed recorder gag is a felony in many jurisdictions, unless you inform them they are being recorded.

Also, at the risk of being hypersensitive, "Cowboy Church" is the same sort of bigotry we're all deploring, here. Some conservative fundamentalists are racists or anti-Catholic, but a great many are good people and good Christians. Mind you, I've known people who describe themselves as "Holy Rollers,"

but I imagine they would be offended by others calling them that. Similarly, WASP jokes were kind of funny, once, as a satire on more "mainstream" ethnic slurs, but a lot of white Protestants rightly object to a perceived double standard that says it's okay to ridicule them, just because they are in the majority.

Personally, I do recognize a difference between good-natured teasing and hate speech, but I do think you have to be really sure that the "victim" is laughing, too.

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 17, 2005

As much fun as it sounds, the concealed recorder gag is a felony in many jurisdictions, unless you inform them they are being recorded.
Also, at the risk of being hypersensitive, "Cowboy Church" is the same sort of bigotry we're all deploring, here. Some conservative fundamentalists are racists or anti-Catholic, but a great many are good people and good Christians. Mind you, I've known people who describe themselves as "Holy Rollers,"
but I imagine they would be offended by others calling them that. Similarly, WASP jokes were kind of funny, once, as a satire on more "mainstream" ethnic slurs, but a lot of white Protestants rightly object to a perceived double standard that says it's okay to ridicule them, just because they are in the majority.
Personally, I do recognize a difference between good-natured teasing and hate speech, but I do think you have to be really sure that the "victim" is laughing, too.

I agree. Glad you brought all of this up. ITA! Things rarely work out the way they do on TV; life is not a TV show and legalities are probably not your area of expertise. I would do what you already did and if you feel they are "out to get you" maybe you should move on, leaving a nice long exit letter and honest exit interview. But do watch out---- You can't just go around taping people talking to you and expect it to hold up---or not bite you in the butt. :uhoh3:

allnurses Guide · Jan 17, 2005

What the heck is the "Cowboy Church". I go to church with lots of real cowboys and cowgirls so wonder what you mean.

steph :)

Fun2, BSN, RN · Jan 17, 2005

Also, at the risk of being hypersensitive, "Cowboy Church" is the same sort of bigotry we're all deploring, here. Some conservative fundamentalists are racists or anti-Catholic, but a great many are good people and good Christians. Mind you, I've known people who describe themselves as "Holy Rollers,"
but I imagine they would be offended by others calling them that.

Well said, NurseMike?!! I for one was brought up Pentecostal....or "holy roller". My church does not use snakes. I wear make-up, so does our preacher's wife. I have long hair, but the preacher's wife keeps hers nice and short. No, I do not wear mine in a bun. I wear earrings, two different pairs, actually. I also wear jeans....tight low rise ones to boot! :chuckle Really, the only problem I have with Catholics is: no birth control (or has that changed?). Also, in Catholic churches, and many other churches I'd fall asleep in the sermon/songs. I like the fast tempo of the charasmatic churches, and the strong sermons!! However, this is only my opinion, and I sure wouldn't, nor would I have a reason to, belittle someone on thier faith.

I would hope that all Christians do not "JUDGE" other faiths as being wrong or right for everyone, but only decide one is not right for themselves.

I don't believe one religion is better than the other. If you follow the Bible, and live by it as you interpret it, then that's all you can do....IMO

As for the racial comments. I'm sure that ALL races make jokes about other races. I've heard many about my race, and I've heard many about other races. ...just as there are jokes about uneducated, people that live in different states, politicians, preachers, lawyers, etc. A joke is just a joke. If it goes beyond joking, then there is a problem. If someone around is offended, there is a problem. I know I have friends of all different races, and we always joke around, but at this time no one is offended. If someone says he or she is offended by it, and the person continues to do it, it's a problem.

I would even consider calling the police station, if you are that offended by this. Find out if there is anything you can do. Tell them you were offended by the comments. If you don't want to go this far, then maybe you need to ask to be put on a different floor. This way, you don't have to work with that person at all.

I hope everyone can understand what I mean by my words. I am in no way trying to say racism is not a problem. I know it is.

I definately say there is a major problem if the racism involves the quality of pt. care one receives. That is wrong! :angryfire

allnurses Guide · Jan 17, 2005

Good post Fun2Care . . .

You know, everyone has different tastes in music. Why should it be a surprise that there are different tastes in worship styles? Or that God might use different ways to connect to people? We all respond in different ways.

I've been to "holy roller" churches as a youth. My grandma was Pentecostal and attended Assembly of God churches. I started going to a Methodist Church right after I was saved. Now I attend an Evangelical Free Church. I love our worship time. We have a great band with about half hymns and half more upbeat and contemporary.

My son attends college at a Christian University - the chapel services are wonderful and full of energy.

To each their own.

But again, someone . . what the heck is a "Cowboy Church" :rolleyes:

steph