Nursing is a microcosm of the larger healthcare industry. As such, it is common to encounter issues in nursing that you would encounter in any other major industry. Of course, different regions and institutions have different experiences. Some places it is more widespread than others. Discrimination in the nursing profession is a deeply rooted issue.
There are laws and regulations against ‘blatant’ discrimination, but does that completely stop it from happening? The sad truth is that it does not, for example:
– Have you ever worked a shift and heard that a particular patient only wants an ‘X’ type of person to care for them or their child? On more than one occasion, I have heard statements like this.
In Michigan in 2012, a maternity nurse filed a lawsuit against the hospital she worked for after a patient requested no black nurses to care for his newborn and allegedly, his request was granted.
A class action lawsuit was filed and won by a group of California-Filipino nurses who felt singled out and treated poorly by hospital administration.
These lawsuits are just a few of the public examples of discrimination issues within nursing.
– What about maternity units with no staff male nurses? And rules that restrict male floaters to work OB/Maternity? Yet, many Obstetricians are male. The hypocrisy is baffling.
So, what can you do if you are working in a nursing environment where there is discrimination and you want to do something about it? Do you have options? In life, you always have options.
Like any situation that you do not like, you always have choices. Every single thing we do in life (including getting up and going to work) is a choice.
Let’s be smart here. Before you run to management with complaints, arm yourself. Know that some managers, administration, or institutions may instinctively act defensive and unreceptive to your discrimination allegations. They say proof is in the pudding. What proof do you have? It is easy to get into a battle of he-said-she-said. Instead, document specific expressions, situations, and behavior that you witness and that is unjust. Have the specifics such as date, time, and possible witnesses.
Before you take any action, make sure that you know your unit/department/facility chain of command and any relevant regulations regarding discrimination incident reporting. Also, use your judgment and discernment regarding your position and career.
Illegal discrimination is not something to be tolerated. The fact that it is tolerated in many institutions is irrelevant. What is relevant are the values and standards that you choose to accept for yourself and the workplace that your nursing co-workers and patients are a part of.