Pulling the race card

Yes, I had the misfortune of having one of the nursing staff doing this recently, so here's how I would have addressed it if I could have written a letter.

Dear Mr. Veteran Employee:

Yes, I am distinctly aware that you are a male and a minority here at the Hotel. I am also aware that you have many years of seniority. I think you have many good qualities, but one keeps rearing it's ugly head. You keep pulling the race card.

As a woman, you offend me because you think when I am not busy, I'm here to serve you. Well, guess what. I am not. As one famous singer said, "I'm not gonna spend my life being a color."

Since you are not wearing a patient armband, you are not entitled to free meals and beverages just because you figure you deserve them for your service. No, you sir, are an employee, and the cafeteria is that way. Open the wallet, remove cash and in exchange, they'll give you whatever you pay for. Novel concept, no?

Years of slavery did not cause the mess you, others and our management has got us into on the floor, in our local, state and federal governments or with your credit card statement. And please, when you're done trashing my sex, my job (because I make more than you since I bothered to get a degree), and the fact I buy "expensive" coffee, which I just so happen to share with you ('cause you're too cheap to buy any of your own coffee), please go and actually do your work.

Your female coworkers, sistahs and non-sistahs alike, will appreciate it.

Sincerely (only if you actually listen...),

RehabRN

Bait

Oh, they're out there again. I'd think the moon was changing again, but it's not.

Being away from it was a blessing for those months. What is it? The spector of discrimination by your fellow employees. Over stupid stuff...like someone brought in McDonalds for the beginning of their night shift. Licensed vs. unlicensed. Highly paid workers vs. not-so-highly-paid workers. Black or brown or yellow vs. white workers. Not intellectual discussions, just plain ol' crazy rants.

I just bite my tongue to keep from saying, "The 'man' can't hold you down if you refuse to get up!"

One of these days, I'll be glad when I don't have to come back to work with some people.

More to come...

Another week over

I am so glad it's the Friday that's not the middle of my week. This Friday is really Friday and I don't have to wake up early tomorrow. Hallelujah!

It's been busy at the Hotel. Lots of comings and even a couple of goings. Wish a few more people were getting discharged so we wouldn't feel as if patients were stacked to the rafters. Or perhaps, I could trade a few of my nervous Nellies (who constantly ring the call light) for a few like Mr. Ollie, who gets up in his wheelchair and goes all day, and only comes by to see you when he needs something. We still miss Mr. L. who left us due to a huge GI problem. Now, Mr. F. who automatically appeared when we ran into a file with his name on it was a little spooky. No, we don't need him coming back, 'cause he just left!

Nevertheless, I was very happy for the most part with my patients. I felt like I took very good care of them and one guy even complimented me. 

And as I left, the good ol' boys on the unit were all talking about NASCAR and the little races this weekend. I wouldn't mind being there myself.

Have a great weekend, whether you spend it at the track, at work or at home.

More later...

I'm gettin' old...

And I may be getting creaky from flinging people around, but this here nurse ran a darned good race and lived to tell about it.

Or so that computer chip on my shoe said...

Now I'm gonna go raise a glass to all of you who are still at work, doing the heave ho.

This (insert your beverage of choice)'s for you!