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A nurse stated that she was informed she would not succeed in the healthcare field due to her race.

Sentia Igiraneza, 22, was completing an internship at aQueenslandhospital in December 2023, as part of her Bachelor of Nursing program, when she alleges a nurse told her she would not succeed in life because of her race.

“She gazed directly into my eyes and stated that I would never become a nurse or succeed anywhere because of my race,” she said to Daily Mail.

I wish someone had informed me that being a Black woman aiming for a career in healthcare in Australia was precisely like a death sentence.

Although she expected to face racism from her patients, she mentioned that she never anticipated encountering it from a nurse, but this changed very soon during her placement.

“I would arrive for my shift and say hello to everyone,” said Ms. Igiraneza.

Often, they would glance up and down at me but pay no attention.

Nevertheless, she mentioned that the nurses’ attitudes seemed to shift the moment a person from another race entered the room.

“When a white girl entered and greeted everyone, she received a warm reception,” Ms. Igiraneza stated.

I would stand there wondering if there was something in the placement paperwork that indicated black people weren’t permitted to speak.

She mentioned she should have immediately recognized the presence of a racist environment due to the continuous comments, rather than assuming the nurses had good intentions.

Rather than inquiring about me with questions such as “What are your hobbies,” “Where do you intend to work as a nurse in the future,” or “What is your professional path,” she would ask me things like, “How did you secure this placement,” “How did you pass your English exam?” and “What kind of documents did you submit.”

Ms. Igiraneza, who was 19 years old then, mentioned that discussions in the nursing station would focus on her ‘hair, lips, and the chocolate-like tone of her skin,’ but she ignored it, believing it was ‘just friendly teasing.’

During her last week of the internship, she sensed an employee suggested she wasn’t competent.

“She mentioned that it was because many of the staff found me intimidating and unfriendly,” she said.

It seems I didn’t actually say hello to anyone when I arrived for my shift, was constantly rolling my eyes, and came across as very confrontational.

Ms. Igiraneza mentioned that she had only recently chosen to discuss her experience openly because she had always felt the racism stemmed from her own mistakes.

“Racism is a strong force that harms your self-worth,” she stated.

It’s not something I desire for the next generation of Black individuals aiming to become doctors, lawyers, or achieve other significant roles. That is repulsive.

Reflecting on her time there, Ms. Igiraneza stated that she should have been more cautious around the staff.

“If I had been aware that I would be under scrutiny, I wouldn’t have let myself trust and feel at ease with the staff,” she stated.

I participated in discussions, admitted my lack of knowledge, was eager to learn, and shared personal aspects of my life, similar to the other student.

She further mentioned that she regretted not obtaining professional support and guidance.

Ms. Igiraneza earned her degree in early March and has been submitting applications for postgraduate programs.

Numerous Australians were taken aback by her story and conveyed their compassion.

“I’m completely angry, and it upsets me that you believe you must excel due to the color of your skin,” one person stated.

“I truly hope that, even if others have a different view of you, you continued with a career in nursing,” said the second person.

“I’m completely angry, and it upsets me that you believe you must exceed because of your race,” another person said.

“You possess far greater strength and bravery than you realize. Continue to shine as you rise,” another one said.

Some also posted about their comparable experiences.

“I work in elderly care in Queensland and truly feel I’m treated differently because I’m not Australian, so I can’t even begin to imagine what you go through,” one person said.

One individual shared, ‘I faced racism as a nursing student from university onwards, so I completely understand where you’re coming from.’

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