Re: What did you NOT expect when you became a nurse.

Originally Posted by BortaZinTx

I never expected I'd so enjoy working with babies/newborns. I was a segregation cell block officer and supervisor, as well as death row, in the state prison system in my past life. I went into NS with the typically macho male train of thought that I'd end up in an ER or OR somewhere. Once I did a clinical rotation in those, I found I had a great dislike for them, and couldn't wait to get back into the NICU or Nursery.

I am a new OB RN and my mentor was a guy that had been in postpartum for more than 10 years. He had to leave recently r/t health problems. SOOOOO many of our return mommy's look for him. He had the most gentle hands and a huge heart for "his" babies. I am honored that he chose to mentor me. Yahoo for more guys going into OB we NEED you!!!!

Re: What did you NOT expect when you became a nurse.

I am surprised about male nurses being allowed in OB/Nursery, as two hospitals I previously worked in (Long Island) told me I was not allowed to apply in those units. One night there was even a call for a float needed for nursery, supervisor said ..'anyone except Bill'.

Also, I had an older nurse manager from the Netherlands, who would never let me do female catheters. Although, she had me do every male catheter on the floor. Was an Ortho post op unit. This was my first job out of college. So needless to say I never got really good at female catheterization. Conversely, there is no enlarged prostate that can stop me.

Re: What did you NOT expect when you became a nurse.

Originally Posted by ZiggyNoEar

I am surprised about male nurses being allowed in OB/Nursery, as two hospitals I previously worked in (Long Island) told me I was not allowed to apply in those units. One night there was even a call for a float needed for nursery, supervisor said ..'anyone except Bill'.

Also, I had an older nurse manager from the Netherlands, who would never let me do female catheters. Although, she had me do every male catheter on the floor. Was an Ortho post op unit. This was my first job out of college. So needless to say I never got really good at female catheterization. Conversely, there is no enlarged prostate that can stop me.

What do you mean you were told you were not allowed to apply in OB/Nursery?! That would be the same as those hospitals telling me I am not allowed to apply for a position in Urology because I am a female. Float nurse needed, except for Bill. What a slap in the face! So you were restricted from performing female catheterization as well. I have the feeling this restriction wasn’t printed on your nursing license that you spend several years and thousands of dollars to obtain.

The reason why this still happens to nurses is because employers think they can get away with it. They can, unless no one complains. ZiggyNoEar, in every case you just posted, you were treated like a second class nurse and/or potential predator. How would you feel if the above happened because of your skin color, nationality or religion? I assume you would not take it very lightly.

No other nurse should ever tolerate this. If anyone of you is treated in this manner you should go directly over the head of the person(s) that discriminate against you. This may entail contacting Human Resources or upper management. If that does not work you next stop should be at a labor attorney’s office.


I had similar things happen to me years ago because I was female. I tried to reason initially but sadly, in the end the only real change was caused by litigation. Hopefully none of you will have to go that far. As a hospital administrator, I can tell you if more male nurses stood up for themselves, these discriminatory “restrictions” would disappear very quickly. Gentlemen always remember, medical facilities hate; bad press, accreditation threats, forced governmental oversight, labor litigation and costly payouts. Gender discrimination can cause all of these.

Re: What did you NOT expect when you became a nurse.

On a lighter note, I prefer a male gynecologist. They seem to posses a gentleness absent in their female counterparts. I would take a woman if for example, I got married & my husband perferred - have a female Dr. I have never been hospitalized, so I havent had the pleasure of experiencing patient care w/ a male nurse,but I'm making a generalized assumption about male caregivers. No stats, just my humble opinion