Sexual Discrimination

I am wondering if any one else is noticing this...male bashing by leaders in nursing.

We had a mandatory Conference day last week. Our keynote speaker is a very influential leader in nursing. She made two comments which bother me, and seem to perpetuate sexism in the work place.

First, she was talking to some of her collegues about evidence based nursing practices. She discussed the importance of professional journals and not Playboy like the male nurses read.

Second, she closed her presentation with a slide of Keith Urban, saying she likes to close with something beutiful and sexy, so she wanted to show him.

If I had made either of those comments using Ladies Home Journal instead of Playboy, I would be boo'd off the stage. Then had I put up a picture of Farahh Faucett or Julia Roberts, I would be fired for sure.

Last year, we had another manditory meeting and a former TNA (TN Nursing Assoc) President said "If nursing was easy, then men would do it". I wanted to walk out right then and there, but with all the professors watching, I could not.

And during clinicals, I hear every day "Oh you're a man, help me lift/turn this patient". I want to return a smart aleck comment, but do not dare.

These are our leaders. I want to say something, but am afraid of being held back or released from the nursing program for making waves. I do not know what to do, or where to turn. Has anyone else run into this blatent sexism?