Discrimination

Have you ever been passed over for a promotion because of your race or ethnicity, even though you met all other qualifications for the job?

Kuleana. This melodic Hawaiian word refers to a personal yet shared responsibility toward family and society. It's a philosophy that guides Jamie Kamailani Boyd, Ph.D., A.P.R.N., and her work, including the Pathway out of Poverty program she started in 2007.

Though they may be half a world away, nursing schools in India face problems similar to those in the United States when it comes to recruiting men. The results of this research of nursing students in Pondicherry, India, may surprise you.

The unwillingness of nursing to consistently embrace men as equal colleagues is not a good thing at a time of global shortage. It’s not good for our society because it limits the career choices of potential bright and compassionate caregivers, and worst of all, it erodes the integrity and ethics that are the hallmarks of our profession.

Whether it’s racist remarks from patients, problems with culturally insensitive co-workers or being passed up for a promotion because of your race or gender, the key is to stay cool and know your rights.