What is a good job for me in Health Care?

To health care professionals, not just "minority" health care professionals: have you ever been treated badly by your patients because of your race/ethnicity on the job? If so, what is your story? (my story inside because I am annoying like that)

• Answer:

  ~~edited to correct some ASSumptions. Words have been put in my mouth. I edited to remove them and to clarify.~~ Yes, I am answering my own question again because I want to tell my story with this. I am of a generally hated minority (Romani, usually called "Gypsy'). I have worked in the medical field my entire life, currently as a phlebotomist. I have had patients cuss at me and insult me as I try to do my job. I do not mean things like the stupid Gypsy jokes ("how do you get internet in your wagon," "do you have crystal balls," and the like) I mean getting nasty. I just roll my eyes at the silly old jokes and continue caring for the patient like I do normally. I might give them a sarcastic answer like "why, a very long extension cord, what else." When that happens, I pack up my gear (my phlebotomy tray these days), make certain that the patient is safe, turn my back and walk out of the room. Then I go to my supervisor and tell them what happened. So far they have always been able to send another health care provider in to take care of the patient. However, I will risk losing my job over this. I will risk not working in the health care profession ever again over this. --------edit before I am misconstrued again: I do not work in the ER or other critical areas of the hospital. I will not walk out of a patient's room if that patient is not safe. I have not yet had to do this but, if needed, I would pack up my things and stay in the patient's room as I used the call button to ask for a replacement. I would wait for replacement before exiting the room. If I worked in the ER or other critical areas of the hospital, I would accept that tolerating racism is part of my job. I have chosen to not work there due to not liking the hectic pace of such places and ask to not be floated there. I find such work very stressful and applaud the staff who work there... it takes a special type of person. I have never endangered a patient's life and I would never do so no matter what I thought of the patient. If I was the ONLY available staff member to save a bigot's life, I would grit my teeth and bear it.