Question

Two foreign-educated nurses from the Philippines complain to you that their American-educated co-workers treat them poorly. The Americans don’t ask them to join them at meals, don’t invite them out after work, and are generally unfriendly. When you meet with the four American-educated co-workers, they look astonished and say, “Those nurses talk to each other all the time in their own language and barely speak to us, except when they have to.What are we supposed to do?”

What are your next steps?

Answer 1

In this case the nurses who came in with the complaints of being treated poorly by their American-educated coworkers have a feeling of being discriminated by their co-workers. After talking to the american co-workers the picture became clearer. There is a communication gap between the two groups of co-workers. The nurses form Philippines think that they are being discriminated against because of their minority or different culture. Whereas, the Americans think that those to only talk to each other and are no interested in get involved this others. They feel uncomfortable when the foreigners always talk to each other in a language the Americans don't understand.

The next step could be calling in both the groups separately and discussing the matter further. The foreign nurses could be explained how some of their actions can make others feel that they are not interested. We don't have to tell them whether or not we have had a word with the other four nurses, we have to make it a reflective process. We can ask them questions to help them reflect. Following are some example-- What can be the reasons those four nurses do this? What is their role in getting along with their american counterparts? What are the things they expect from those four nurses? Is there anything they can avoid or adjust with to create a better understanding with them? A similar exercise has to be done with the American nurses, they have to understand that it is difficult for foreign people to adjust in a new culture. They can be asked questions like-- What can be the reasons behind the two nurses staying separate? How would they have been adjusted if they were in their place? How can they make them feel comfortable?

Other than these sessions, small steps can be taken like-- On some fixed days, all the nurses will have their lunch together. Group recreational activities can be made up to give them a platform to enjoy something together. Small activities like discussions can be initiated regarding their work (example: A case can be given to them, and asked to discuss how can they deal with such cases effectively)