Microaggressions in the Workplace, and How to Deal With Them

When we decided to become nurses, we made it our job to help everyone the best we can. Typically, this is about patients and can take many forms. We use our knowledge to notice irregularities; we educated our patients and family and advocate for them. Sometimes we take care of our patient's loved ones by providing emotional support. However, we should also look out for our fellow nurses, especially regarding discrimination in the workplace.

Not all discrimination is overt and easy to spot. Some microaggressions slip under our noses coming from patients, coworkers, and even our mouths. What is a microaggression? According to dictionary.com, a microaggression is a statement, action, or incident regarded as an instance of indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group such as a racial or ethnic minority. Microaggressions can look like telling a woman that she is "bossy" because it can diminish her leadership skills or telling a person of color that they are "so articulate," which suggests people from their race aren't. When gender and race intersect, that brings on a whole new level. So how do we combat these and be the allies marginalized groups need?

Listen

When someone from a marginalized group shares something that has happened to them, take a moment to hear them. At first, this can feel like an attack, especially when this means acknowledging your privilege. Listening will allow you to hear first-hand experiences that you wouldn't have and give you a better understanding of what has happened.

Speak Up 

Speaking out isn't always easy, and it can be scary to speak up when you haven't before and don't feel comfortable. However, this doesn't have to be confrontational. If a coworker shares an idea that gets overlooked, speak up and acknowledge it. By calling this out, you can draw attention to the person's idea. Doing this can show their value to the team and affirms them in taking up space.

Talk About Salary

I know this sounds like a bad idea and can become a way to be targeted for making more than someone else. Speaking about your salary can also have the reverse reaction. Incredible Health states that male nurses can make up to $6000 more a year than female nurses. Throughout a career, this can make a significant difference. When you compare white women's salaries to Latina and black women's salaries, you continue to see a decrease in pay. Sharing how much you make can give all parties involved a better idea of their worth. Sometimes won't know you're underpaid until you talk to others.

Learn Your Coworker's Name

There's that riddle that goes, "what's something that's yours that others use more?" The answer is "your name." When you talk to someone, ignore something that holds such significance, it can be demeaning. Instead of giving someone a nickname because their name is "too difficult to pronounce," take some time to practice. Being intentional with your words will show that you see them as a person. Take a moment to read about how "not Brenda" felt when her teacher called her by the wrong name and how she overcomes that.

Finally, be gentle and give yourself the chance to make mistakes. It isn't about being perfect because that's unrealistic. It's about taking time to unlearn previous behaviors and to learn something new. Being an ally takes guts and a commitment to be a better person. By listening, you'll know what you can do better. Standing up for others, especially women of color, isn't something everyone will do. By doing so, you can give them the courage they need to take up the space they deserve.