Racial and status conflict as perceived by black licensed practical nurses

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine perceptions of racial and status conflict held by black Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in their work environment. A descriptive correlational design was used. The questionnaire entitled "Study of Working Relationships as Perceived by the LPN" was modified from a questionnaire developed by Lowenstein & Glanville, and used to determine black LPNs' perceptions of racial and status conflict. Data analysis revealed the majority of black LPNs perceived that racial and status conflict was present in their work settings. In addition, some black LPNs perceived this prejudice as being extensive. Numerous respondents reported that administration and white Registered Nurses (RNs) demonstrated the greatest amount of racial prejudice. It was the attitudes and behaviors of both white RNs and LPNs that marked the existence of racial prejudice to the black LPNs. Black LPNs reported that they observed these attitudes and behaviors in work assignments, work performance, and salary distribution. When conflict transpired in the workplace, black LPNs felt that the outcome resolutions were most often in favor of whites. Additional findings disclosed that the majority of the sample reported that working relationships between LPNs and RNs were harmonious. However, LPNs were disturbed about the lack of support for them by nurse management