Males in Pediatrics :) Thoughts?

Specialties Pediatric

Published

This is my first post! Hello nurses :) I'm Hayden, 19, counting down 3 more years to getting my RN. I wanted some feedback. Of all of the nursing specialties I've researched, I've found that Pediatrics/NICU are my absolute most favorable. Although I realize clinicals will be the "final decision", I've always had a passion and desire to work with children. In fact I initally began college as an Elementary Education major up until last semester when I made the transition to nursing. Anyway, what I wanted to know is how difficult will it be for me to land a job in peds or nicu? I'm concerned because men aren't exactly the ideal nurturers for the young (says stereotype). Also, as a RN grad, will I even be able to get a job in those units or is there some sort of experience requirement before landing a job your desired unit? I live in North Central Indiana in case region plays a factor in either one of these questions. I long to work in Indianapolis at a children's hospital. Thank you!!

Specializes in Peds Medical Floor.

Hey! I am a female nurse but I just started peds nursing a few months ago and I LOVE it. I work at a Children's Hospital. There are tons of guys who work here.

The job outlook is tough even for nurses right now. I assume that's what the poster who mentioned hoping it's better in 3 years meant.

And I just wanted to say there is no "final decision" for where you have to work. Most nurses here, including myself, have tried all different jobs. That's one of my favorite things about nursing!

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PedsRN, why do you point teen boys and loving guys that are nurses?

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

OP,

I work at one of the Indianapolis children's hospital - the one named for a guy who is 6'5" with a laser-rocket arm - and we have male RNs in both the inpatient units and the PICU.

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.

Hi Hayden! I am Daniel and I am an RN and I work in a PICU. I also float to the pediatric floor and to the NICU (step-down/MNUR).

I LOVE working in pediatrics and wouldn't trade it for anything! I am the first and only male nurse in the PICU at my hospital and I think the teenage guys like for me to put their Foleys in, moreso than the female nurses...lol. But whenever I have teenage girls, I let the ladies handle the more "revealing" things, not because it makes me uncomfortable, but because it may make them uncomfortable and I wouldn't want that. If the patient doesn't mind or are sedated, for example, I ALWAYS make sure there is a female CNA or nurse in the room with me whenever I'm doing anything personal (that goes for adults too, thought just to protect yourself legally). Some people would disagree with that saying that it is professional nursing and it shouldn't matter, but I would rather be safe than end up in court with false accusations and my nursing license (which I worked VERY hard for) in jeapardy.

On to other things:

I have developed some relationships with patients and families that have extended past the inpatient setting.

I did adult med/surg for 4 years before coming to pediatrics, but like you, I always knew I wanted to do pediatrics.

I do NOT like working in the NICU, partly because it's a different unit with unfamiliar people and partly because babies who don't eat well and there's no parent there to feed them...haha. I know, I know...I should like it being a pediatric nurse, but everyone has patients who they prefer and those who they don't prefer and for me it is the tiny babies who can't keep a paci in their mouth. I love them and give excellent care to them, but it's just not my fav.

The PICU that I work at does accept new grad positions, but they are very limited. I work in Raleigh, NC. As far as getting my job, I don't think being a male hindered it at all - it may have helped me get the job since the PICU I work at did not have any male nurses at the time.

Good luck in your career and best wishes to you. PM me any time you have any questions or whatnot. I'm always happy to help :)

Thanks,

Daniel

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I know TPNS of guys in peds, all are fin. I dont know what the big deal is?

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Specializes in nurseline,med surg, PD.

Do NOT post anything on here using your real name or picture. It will come back to haunt you. Just trying to help.:)

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