Nurse/Patient and possible race issue

[luvsJack]

Actually, it was a maternity patient in her thirties. And like someone else said, when making out the assignment for the next shift, people do place nurses with certain patients or avoid certain patients for a variety of reasons, already.

This patient didn't request to "not" have white nurses whatsoever, she just had extremely volatile experiences with them during her stay, and made racial comments about them - at the same time, she never had a problem with the black ones. So to me, when making out the next shift's assignment, if there were 5 nurses to choose from, I wouldn't fault someone for assigning a black nurse to this patient. To me, that patient/nurse pairing wouldn't be a good "fit".

Well, even a young woman may have had life experiences that make her feel that way. Its sad, but not something you can help or should have to deal with.

I agree with you about the assignments and don't see a problem with it. You can't fix this woman's issues, you can only make her stay in the hospital as easy on her and your nurses as possible.

You sound like a very caring and attentive nurse that is able to see all of the issues with a patient's care. Sounds like you do an excellent job.

 

[Disney Doll]

Actually, it was a maternity patient in her thirties. And like someone else said, when making out the assignment for the next shift, people do place nurses with certain patients or avoid certain patients for a variety of reasons, already.

This patient didn't request to "not" have white nurses whatsoever, she just had extremely volatile experiences with them during her stay, and made racial comments about them - at the same time, she never had a problem with the black ones. So to me, when making out the next shift's assignment, if there were 5 nurses to choose from, I wouldn't fault someone for assigning a black nurse to this patient. To me, that patient/nurse pairing wouldn't be a good "fit".

And if that black nurse was the best person to care for that patient, then that is probably what folks would do. But technically, the primary decision is made based on what is best for the patient in terms of the ability of the nurse to handle the situation. And skin color does not fall into that equation unless the nurse who is best able to care for that aptient also has the desired skin color...then it's a win/win situation and everybody is happy. And remember, within this decision-making process, the needs of the rest of the patients on the unit also need to be taken into consideration. Maybe the black nurse could care perfectly well for the black patient but would be a better nurse to give to a different patient because that patient needs the special expertise of the black nurse...then skin color really doesn't...actually can't... play into it.

 

[princesspumpkin]

And if that black nurse was the best person to care for that patient, then that is probably what folks would do. But technically, the primary decision is made based on what is best for the patient in terms of the ability of the nurse to handle the situation. And skin color does not fall into that equation unless the nurse who is best able to care for that aptient also has the desired skin color...then it's a win/win situation and everybody is happy. And remember, within this decision-making process, the needs of the rest of the patients on the unit also need to be taken into consideration. Maybe the black nurse could care perfectly well for the black patient but would be a better nurse to give to a different patient because that patient needs the special expertise of the black nurse...then skin color really doesn't...actually can't... play into it.

So true

 

[Judy from Boise]

I have often changes assignments or made assignments based on patients preferences for the race or gender of their caregivers.Usually it was WW2 vets who preferred not to have asian nurses. Always they bent over backward to assure me it was their hang-up, and no reflection on the nurse, They usually looked slightly ashamed. It was more than obvious that their mental health would be effected.I accomadated them willingly. More often we have head injuries and strokes that become disinhibited, so we always try to staff the same sex caregiver.
I have to admit that last month we did have a request we couldn't accomadate......we had a elderly lady request that no women with short hair care for her because they might be lesbians!We explained that it was illegal for us to ask the sexual prefernces of our workers, we assured here that based on actual behavior we would remove anyone from her care that made her uncomfortable LOL!