As a Registered Nurse we have many skills and knowledge application that are needed, none more than political advocacy and action. We all engage in political action whether it’s in a small domain or a legislative body we’re obliged to carry out our democratic duties. Show up to vote, gain and disseminate information on issues, and be discerning on the source of materials as propaganda is alive and thriving.

Some of us are skilled from novice to expert to advocate at the point of care, i.e., challenge a treatment plan that adds to a patient’s suffering, and self-identify when we want no part of adding to an individual’s pain and despair. Some of us challenge the status quo when we identify diversity, equity, and inclusivity challenges i.e. systemic racism. If we have paid attention there have been reports of disrespect, neglect, and biases regarding Indigenous patients. People have died in Emergency waiting rooms due to assumptions i.e. individuals were seeking care due to alcohol usage.

We’re all the owners of racism when we look the other way, ignore someone who looks different, and show frustration when someone speaks with an accent that complicates dialogue. Some hold intolerance for other ethnic groups or religious manifestations, some are subtle; some are more overt. This month my professional association visited Queen’s Park to meet with various politicians, and party leaders, and our topic was the current crisis in nursing and the impact of racism on Black nurses. Now it’s fair to say I have observed horizontal bullying amongst Black, South Asian, Filipino, Chinese and white nurses to name a few. I have observed tensions between African and Caribbean nurses, Punjabi and Hindu nurses, and there are policies and nursing curriculum drafted and initiated to increase awareness and understand the implications of diversity, equity, and inclusivity.

As an English-speaking Canadian (born elsewhere), I am in the category of privileged. I live in a home, have an income, own two degrees, and have engaged in leadership roles throughout my career. I say this as it is exceedingly difficult to change the lens of how I see the world. At one of the sessions with party leaders, a nursing student spoke eloquently about the concepts of equity, diversity and inclusivity–the leader commented on how articulate she was as a nursing student. The next day, a colleague shared her frustration about the leader’s comment that surprise was expressed that a black woman was articulate. That thought never crossed my mind the comment on articulateness could be perceived as condescending; I asked the colleague if that was systemic racism. Yes, she responded. I wondered if that occurred frequently, and “every day” was the response.

The world is in a state of flux, with civil wars, wars period, comments of intolerance related to gender identity etc. I came across an article on gaslighting it was described as an abuser who makes someone doubt themselves and it’s a way of gaining power over some one through outright lying, manipulation of reality, scapegoating and coercion. In this process the victim questions their judgement and intuition. Gaslighting is not isolated to close personal relationships, it happens in board rooms, workplaces, and education settings, the goal is to make another group/individual question or doubt their own beliefs–question their reality. It’s a form of manipulation focused on distraction, deflecting guilt, or accountability and responsibility. Gaslighting can be subtle, by minimizing your feelings “aren’t you overreacting” “why so sensitive”? Trivialize the concerns of others, “that’s crazy talk” the outcomes are anger, and feeling unheard, increased insecurity about one’s thoughts and feeling your intents are second-guessed. Awareness is crucial and those who gaslight need it to change their behaviour to have constructive relationship dynamics whether a family member, friend, or colleague. Bullying is not a pleasant topic to dwell upon but we’re all accountable for zero tolerance for anyone to be discriminated against, denied access to equity, and excluded from opportunities to influence factors in their lives. Namaste

We must create a public opinion which must drive the government, instead of the government having to drive us—an enlightened public opinion, wise in principles, wise in details.

Florence Nightingale

Categories: Uncategorized

Tagged as: diversity gaslighting health mental-health racism

Paula M

Registered Nurse Storyteller, Healer, Scribe, Transformational Leader