Gay male nurses?

Nurses Men

Published

Hey, I'm going into a nusing program and I'm a gay male and I've had some concerns reading some of these posts. I know I want this as a career and I'm not going to look into a new profession but theres still lingering issues. I know males have to cover their @ss's when dealing with female patients because they are male. And because I'm gay I can only imagine I have to cover my ass with dealing with male patients too. But I mean I cant exactly have someone tailing me all day long at the hospital and I cant very well strap a camera to my head for evidence I did nothing wrong. It's really concerning me though, I mean im not really sure what to do and i want to stay in this field. I guess I'm just getting over worried but some of these posts are kind of O_O..... for lack of better words. Anyone have any advice or maybe some storys they could tell to help me feel better or get rid of some of this concern?

aaaaa

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry/Med Surg.
so funny little story using sexual orientation to your advantage. I had been doing my clinicals on an ob floor and not getting to do anything because im a striaght guy and the moms were shy. So one night while I was admitting a patient she asked if she could have a female student instead of me. In my best super-gay lisp I told her "Hunny you don't have anything to worry about with me". Now I kinda felt bad for doing that but it was what I felt I had to do to get the most out of those clinicals. I had a lisp the rest of the day and delievered two babies! Well worth it.

So you used a 'super-gay lisp'. I'm not the least bit impressed. :down:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can only echo what everyone else has already said. It shouldn't be an issue, especially with patient care. The only way I've seen it remotely come into play is when I've had a really involved patient or have been dealing with them for a couple days and you build a friendly rapport with them. I've had several patients ask me if I'm married, have kids, etc.... I always say I'm not married. I'd LIKE to say I have a partner of 20 years, but technically I'm not lying and I'm keeping my personal life out of it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology, ID, Hepatology, Occy Health.

Agree with everything said here, but do understand the concern as I shared it when I started out in the early 80s. Homophobia is very real and if you've experienced it, it's natural that when you go into a new area a part of you thinks jeez, I hope it won't be an issue here. I've been qualified 23 years and my homosexuality has never given me a problem with a patient, male or female. It's never discussed with patients - it has no reason to be. I'm sure most patients don't even think twice about the sexuality of their nurse - they just want good nursing care. There is nothing even remotely sexual about even the most intimate nursing interventions, so as previously stated, if you treat patients with dignity and respect, it won't be an issue, even when they've got their bits exposed to you.

I realise this thread's a little old now, hence I'm wondering if the original poster has actually embarked and how's it going?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.
Originally Posted by fredsmith2906 viewpost.gif

so funny little story using sexual orientation to your advantage. I had been doing my clinicals on an ob floor and not getting to do anything because im a striaght guy and the moms were shy. So one night while I was admitting a patient she asked if she could have a female student instead of me. In my best super-gay lisp I told her "Hunny you don't have anything to worry about with me". Now I kinda felt bad for doing that but it was what I felt I had to do to get the most out of those clinicals. I had a lisp the rest of the day and delievered two babies! Well worth it.

I'm gay and I think this is actually very hilarious!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think it probably depends on where in the country your going to work. Still you should not worry about it

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, Nursery.

I love gay nurses! Most are my friends! ;)

You should look at your situation in a positive way, because it's a beautiful life after all. Let's forget all the other ugly, dirty stuff that we encounter on a day to day basis and just be happy. That's how my gay nurse friends are. :) I'll complain about something and then someone will just make a joke out of it and at the end, were both laughing our asses off. :) I totally love them to death. To hell with what other people will say. Be proud of who you are. Because people love you. ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i understand that the nurse would practice in a professional, non-sexual manner, but...

how about a job in which a gay, lesbian or bisexual patient or patients prefer a glbt nurse?

do such employment positions exist (likely outside hospitals)? where can i apply?!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well i'm a gay male nurse and i personally haven't had a problem at work concerning my patients. I dont go around telling my patients, well unless they ask. As long as you communicate with your patients, give them respect then most of the time you'll be ok. Sometimes patients will look uncomfortable with you especailly really religious ones. Now as nurses we should not judge. So in any case i just try to keep smiling, and accept that pts aren't always going to agree with you as a person. Were there to help the patient, not to start a debate. :D 98 percent of the time i don't have a problem with my sexuality and pt care.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thats a very good question i would like to know if theres a place like that:yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
i understand that the nurse would practice in a professional, non-sexual manner, but...

how about a job in which a gay, lesbian or bisexual patient or patients prefer a glbt nurse?

do such employment positions exist (likely outside hospitals)? where can i apply?!

yes, in home health care. home health clients are notorious for asking for a particular gender, race, sexuality, etc. most home health agencies will then try to fulfill the request, b/c the clients usually have many hh agencies to choose from, it's all about competition for biz.

some hh agencies have close ties to the glbt community.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics.

I am gay and I have no problems at work whatsoever. I highly suspect that anyone will care whether you're gay or not, as long as you act like a professional and do your job right...

Best of luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment