Talking about politics in the workplace is not always a great topic of conversation. Our mothers warn us (from the beginning) that it is not polite to discuss religion, finances, or politics with our friends, neighbors, or anyone else. We were told that it was especially inappropriate to talk about such “taboo” topics at the dinner table, during social events, or God forbid… at church or on dates with the opposite sex. So when is it okay? Speaking personally, it’s probably a good idea to discuss your political views with a future partner.
It may (or may not) make a difference…especially if you’re on opposite sides of the fence. It could potentially become a problem for some people. I have friends who proclaim that they could never handle a relationship with a significant other who didn’t have exactly the same beliefs as them…whether it be with religion, money or which mayoral candidate to vote for! Personally, I like a bit of “back and forth” as long as it doesn’t get too hot, and really…why should I? As for the workplace, my mother never mentioned it. She was a housewife and probably thought that this is where I would spend my life too. She was wrong. Just as I love my home and family, I also love my nursing career. I would not be who I am if it weren’t for my experiences in the nursing profession. I have learned to care for patients from all walks of life and to appreciate our differences. I have also had the pleasure of working with many nurses during my career.
I have to admit, we have had as many different personalities, quirks, and personal beliefs as our patients. So why do conservative versus liberal beliefs in the nursing profession seem to separate the two groups so much? I guess nursing unions are more liberal. Nurses often belong to unions. Enough said…but not really. I am a member of a nursing union although I consider myself a conservative due to my religious beliefs. There are certain personal laws that I keep in my heart; laws that cannot be ethically compromised. I can appreciate and understand that other nurses may feel something different than what I feel. Some examples that lead to differences of opinion range from helping with the termination of pregnancies to voting for a “public option” health care plan. As I was working a night shift as a charge nurse on my hospital unit, I had to intervene between two nurses involved in an altercation.
The two were loudly voicing different views regarding a current political campaign. Both were wearing the buttons of their favorite candidates (opponents in the race), which was obviously inappropriate for a nursing unit. I asked them to remove their “walking ads” which caused me to bear the brunt of their anger for the rest of the shift. By the next day, the political winds had died down, as most of them do. Storms don’t last. Recently in the state of Minnesota, nurses came together to vote on a new contract citing the number one issue as “Safe Staffing for Patient Safety.” More than ninety percent of the state’s 12,000 registered nurses voted for a one-day strike when hospitals failed to bargain.
It was the largest nursing strike in the history of the United States. Contract negotiations and another vote to ratify the new contract ultimately prevented a longer strike, but it was a perfect example of nurses coming together across both political lines for something they all passionately believed in. At this time, they continue to work together to ensure patient safety. They are committed to the cause. The nurses are amazing and caring professionals if I do say so myself! We may have personal beliefs that sometimes conflict with each other, but history has shown that despite those differences, we have many similar goals in life. We all fight for health, happiness, and safety for ourselves, our families, and our patients. Political or not political, nurses are nurses. Our mothers would be proud!