Through the Eyes of an American Born Nurse

I went into nursing blindly, did not know what to expect but ended up loving it. School was harder for me because most of my fellow peers were Caucasian. There was obvious favoritism, but that is just the way things have always been for me. I never let my instructor’s racist inappropriate comments stop me from being the person I am today.  To re-cap the evil witch made a comment if I was tired because she couldn’t tell from my small eyes in front of the entire class. This continued during the semester, but with anyone that was non-Caucasian.  

Fast-forward three years and still racism continues, but on a more subtle note. I see favoritism all the time with management and their protection among their own race. I remember when a friend of the Director was hired as the evening supervisor, then promoted to unit manager. The position was up for grabs and everyone that applied that was non-white was turned down. When there’s a complaint about a co-worker not finishing her duty the response is because she is a new grad. When a Caucasian male nurse did not follow through putting a patient in harms way, nothing was every done.

I gave a patient more calories than I was supposed to and was written up. Where is the justice? HR is caught in the middle because she sees it, but keeps quiet because she has a family to feed too. Should we sit in silence and let this continue or should we speak up and lose or job? It has become a no win situation, are we being denied promotions because of our skin color? I am American born Asian; my parents came here in the 60’s to live the American dream. What is equality? Did it ever exist?

New year, new memories

A priceless piece of time captured in your heart forever. It is something you cannot buy, fake or pretend. This is what I want when I lay in bed at my old frail age, knowing I did all I could with the ones that I love the most. I want to live my life to the fullest with no regrets with my friends and family. Disney is absolutely fucking magical! 

Our trip to Disney World will probably be postponed due to having to buy a new car. I honestly would rather spend that magical moment with my children than a honking piece of metal. I believe the term vacation is different for every person, I believe a vacation should be jammed packed. Everyday there should be something exciting planned, because it is a waste of time and money to relax in the sun. Why not just stay home and go hang out at your local beach?

We had originally planned to go vacationing with our friends, but I decided it would be best if we went alone.  I honestly love them, but I do not want the added stress of their frugality toward my family during a VACATION! I do not believe everyone should make the sacrifice of flying because one family wants to save money and drive. First of all if they do the research they will only save a total of $375 only toward gas, excluding wear and tear, food, and lodging. The idea of sitting in a care for 24 plus hours is not what I call a vacation.

I may not wealthy, but I believe my family is entitled to some luxury. I’m not talking 5 star hotels with someone at my every beck and call. My idea of luxury means, not having to stress or penny pinch every nickel and dime. It is called enjoyment and convenience!

I recently read an article about the artist Sting and leaving no money for his children. He basically said he is working hard to spend it with his family, so they can work hard and earn their own. I completely agree with his parenting tactics. I do work hard so my family can enjoy time together creating new memories. I do not want to have any regrets on my deathbed, you cannot take money, but you can leave behind a legacy.

This is a new year and as I reflect I am grateful for so many things. I am in a sacred partnership with morals and values. We share amazing children that can drive us crazy at times, but worth every moment. He has been there for me at my lowest and we are still working on the highest. Although I may seem bitter at times, one thing I do know for a fact is we have strong family values.