Weird lab vibes

Nursing Students Male Students

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Ok, I had clinical experience and skills time in EMT class where the guy to girl ratio was 4 to 1 in favor of the guys, then I get to nursing (RN) program and the ratio is flipped... My issue is that I am in a skills group of 4 girls and when learning the basics (IE. apical pulse) I have been shunned and side stepped by the girls. I am concerned that I am either percieved as a pervert that wants a cheap feel or they are scared to have a guy touch them... We can't form an all guy group for skills any suggestions?

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I don't know about immediately ameliorating the problem, but I suggest studying hard, scoring really well (beat them) on the next exam/practical, and "accidentally" let them know that you did well. They'll probably bring you into the fold because you'll be a potential resource...

Other than that, your situation sucks. Sorry to hear it.

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Specializes in Cardiac, Rehab.

When the ratio is very high F to M, I do think you will see some of that type of behavior. Are these skills groups ad hoc or is it something that is formally assigned? If its ad hoc, then see if you can pair up with some others who may be a bit more amenable. It probably took a couple of months before everybody got to know each other better in my class and things loosened up.

As for whether they are a bit squeamish for being touched, then that is something they will have to get over. Nursing is up close and personal.

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My first time taking an apical pulse the student I was paired with took the bell of the stethescope from me an placed it, the next student made me place it myself (she was a very good sport and friend).

The next time I had to practice on a fellow student was listening for bowel sounds and I just said aloud "anyone mind letting me listen to bowel sounds on them?" and I had 10 volunteers (and not because I am young or attractive..I am in my 40's and look like i should be a bouncer in a biker bar instead of nursing).

after that I knew who to go to for any hands on assesments that might be awkward.

Semper Fi

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Specializes in Emergency, Med/Surg, Vascular Access.

I would say just straight up ask someone if you can. Much harder to say no that way. Luckily, I'm in a 2nd degree program, so we're a little more mature about stuff like that. Good luck and I hope you enjoy NS!

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.
I don't know about immediately ameliorating the problem, but I suggest studying hard, scoring really well (beat them) on the next exam/practical, and "accidentally" let them know that you did well. They'll probably bring you into the fold because you'll be a potential resource...

Other than that, your situation sucks. Sorry to hear it.

If you want to come across as that arrogant guy I wouldnt do it.

Ask if anyone would mind if you listened to them. I have a few good friends in my labs that let me do all the assessments to them and it worked out well.

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Thanks for the tips and comments... I have talked to a few other females in the class and they have been understanding... I don't think being "that guy" will get me very far with any of them

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.
Thanks for the tips and comments... I have talked to a few other females in the class and they have been understanding... I don't think being "that guy" will get me very far with any of them

Well depends on why you are that guy, so dont hate :smokin:

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Specializes in Trauma ICU, Peds ICU.

I don't know. I figured out real quick which women in my class hated men and which ones were cool, and guess who I got myself put in groups with.

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Well depends on why you are that guy, so dont hate :smokin:

Not hating, was actually agreeing with your post about being a show off and how it may not work out good

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I sometimes wonder if and when people feel a weird vibe from other people if it isn't actually a projection that they themselves aren't putting out there. I am in first semester nursing and there 23 girls and 3 guys. I don't notice any kind of discrimination. But then again I am not looking for it. I am a bigger guy and one thing I have noticed is that when there have been a couple of times when the issue of dealing with "bigger" patients has come up the teacher used me as the patient. Don't get me wrong, I really like this teacher, but I have figured that the reason she uses me is because she figured I wasn't as sensitive to the issue as some of the chubby girls might be. (The other 2 guys are skinny.) I rolled with it and didn't allow it to hurt my feelings or alienate myself. Then again just today, we had a test in pharmacology and I got a higher score, and when comparing answers, I had a couple that weren't marked wrong when theirs were. So of course they accused the teacher of favoring me because I have a member. Well, whatever works I guess :D

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Specializes in Cardiac, Rehab.
I sometimes wonder if and when people feel a weird vibe from other people if it isn't actually a projection that they themselves aren't putting out there. I am in first semester nursing and there 23 girls and 3 guys. I don't notice any kind of discrimination. But then again I am not looking for it. I am a bigger guy and one thing I have noticed is that when there have been a couple of times when the issue of dealing with "bigger" patients has come up the teacher used me as the patient. Don't get me wrong, I really like this teacher, but I have figured that the reason she uses me is because she figured I wasn't as sensitive to the issue as some of the chubby girls might be. (The other 2 guys are skinny.) I rolled with it and didn't allow it to hurt my feelings or alienate myself. Then again just today, we had a test in pharmacology and I got a higher score, and when comparing answers, I had a couple that weren't marked wrong when theirs were. So of course they accused the teacher of favoring me because I have a member. Well, whatever works I guess :D

I think you hit the issue(s) on the head. As the minority in the class, you have to:

A. Have a bit of a thick skin attitude so that little things that may be unitentional or snarky on their part just roll off, like water off a duck

B. Be comfortable in your own skin. To me this is the more important of the two, going into a traditionally female role as a guy, you know that empathy and considering others feelings are a big part of the job, but are not traditional male virtues. Initially I was probably a bit uneasy telling others I was going to be a nurse, even calling it a "Murse" but at this stage I am comfortable with it because I've been in that mode for over a year now and have made it part of me. I also see how damn technical it all is, the amount of information we have to absorb and the way we have to juggle all the different moving parts all while we look out for the PT as well as keep our own wits about us. Its much more of a Human profession than just a Female or Male role.

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