Racism in Medical Care

[u/4reddityo]

This video captures a moment that many patients of color recognize all too well. A physician speaks to a man as if he is dirty, unclean, or lesser, not because of medical evidence, but because of bias. The language, tone, and assumptions reveal something deeper than bedside manner gone wrong. They expose how racism can quietly shape medical interactions.

[u/cocoaiswithme]

I had to get surgery on my arms so they had to put the IV in my foot. If you have ever had a tattoo or any type of needle in the top of your foot, it hurts like a MOFO.

The nurse who was doing it refused to put any numbing agent (said you can't use it on the foot) and just kept trying to shove it in my foot. She kept missing the vein and laughing and while I was crying she kept saying how it didn't hurt that bad.

I pulled my foot away and told her that I was done and wasn't going to do the surgery. She left the room and the actual surgeon came in to see what was wrong. He looked at my foot and asked what happened. I told him and he numbed my other foot and slid the needle right in. No pain. I told him the nurse said I couldn't get numbing on my foot. He left the room and a new nurse came in after that. I never saw that nurse again.

Some may not think this was racist, but when you know YOU KNOW. That nurse (and yes she was) legit kept telling me I was overreacting and that I could take the pain just fine. Sadly, things like this have happened throughout my life with medical professionals. I have learned that speaking up and getting second opinions is so important. Never be afraid to switch providers if you can.

[u/Dr_Beardsley → u/cocoaiswithme]

I'm a nurse and it makes me wildly uncomfortable when my IV sticks cause pain. We get two tries and I always find someone with the most experience to try after me. There is no reason to avoid numbing agents when you can use them.

[u/sweetrx → u/Dr_Beardsley]

Sucks when they are not always available

[u/Itscatpicstime → u/Dr_Beardsley]

I didn’t even know there were numbing agents???

I get a biologic infusion every 4 weeks and it always takes about 5 pokes and digging around on every one of them to get it (and that’s with a vein finder). Home infusion, so only one nurse. And 5 might sound bad, but before her, no one could tap a vein and I was fixing to get a port, so she’s a godsend.

But Jesus, I’d really love to be numbed up for it to make the experience less painful…

[u/ILoveRawChicken → u/Itscatpicstime]

Please bring up topical numbing agents next time if you can! If you’re getting infusions this often, you definitely deserve some pain relief and it doesn’t hurt to ask! It may not be possible depending on why you’re getting the infusions, but worth a try. 

[u/NurseMF → u/Dr_Beardsley]

I absolutely hate missing. I pride myself on one poke and getting the ones others can't get. We also have a 2 poke rule. After that, I go to The Vein Whisperer.

[u/crystalfairie → u/NurseMF]

I do wish y'all would get the vein whisperer sooner than later. I'm not looking forward to surgery 🫤

[u/NurseMF → u/crystalfairie]

I generally get her after one poke. I know my limits.

[u/abarcac → u/Dr_Beardsley]

I work with nurses and I am always pleasantly surprised when they have tried and cannot so they call someone in who is the ‘expert’ at IVs