I chose to become a delegate after the encouragement I received from the Association, because I want to help culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) nurses who are committed to change the workplace culture of covert racism.
I have experienced the impact of covert racism for years whilst working in the health system and I was beginning to question my own sanity. That was until I joined the CALD reference group at the NSWNMA.
I realised how widespread the experience of covert racism is amongst CALD nurses. Acknowledging that this was a shared experience amongst us all, helped lift a load off my shoulders. As a mental health nurse, I can now walk around with my head held high and continue to make a difference in the lives of people experiencing mental illness.
In my career I have been the subject of racialised bullying in the workplace. My experience and clinical expertise have been disparaged and questioned by senior colleagues, who would say things to the effect of “Pumla, because you are from the ‘third world’ you have no idea about ‘first world’ medicine.” While this was clearly an overtly racist comment, I also experienced instances of ongoing and persistent covert racism.
This manifested as microaggressions, gossip and bullying, and I am not alone. Many CALD nurses experience derogatory comments, particularly those who have trained overseas, who can be seen as less experienced.
Covert racism begins when bullying and racism meet, where CALD nurses’ experience and clinical expertise is continuously undermined or overlooked, and they are perceived as less qualified.
When I raised my voice about my experience in the workplace, it was often met with a perception that speaking up about racism meant I was the problem. I am now observing many younger nurses wanting to make a difference to the culture of our hospitals, but they are leaving because similar tactics are being used to discourage them.
Sadly, some are even becoming bullies themselves in an attempt to survive in the system.
The NSWNMA’s CALD group is committed to changing the culture inside our workplaces, helping nurses and midwives to stand up to racism, raise awareness, maintain their resilience, and remain committed to providing excellent care to patients.
I want to be a part of that group of nurses who are bringing about change. We acknowledge anyone can experience racism and we say collectively that it is not welcome in our professions. As a union we stand for inclusion, we stand for equality, and we stand for unity through acceptance and celebration of diversity.
Pumla Coleman, RN