I've read that some people, especially men, don't like the title "nurse." It has a feminine connotation, such as nursing an infant, or it just sounds outdated - handmaidens, doctor's helpmate.
I confess I don't care much for it either, mostly because I've too many people shriek "nurse! nurse!" when their water is lacking a few ice cubes.
So what should we change it to? This is probably a pipe dream, but it could happen. I remember the days when airflight attendents were called stewardesses. Anyone have any ideas? Me, I like RN and LVN. Still familiar, but more up to date and kinda snappy sounding.
I am a male nurse. I know it, I don't want to be called anything else. Female connotation, maybe for some still living in the 1960's. In my unit yesterday, there were three charge nurses, we were all male, and the day before. It is really cool when all male nurses work. Not to say anything negative about female nurses, although by default it kind of sounds that way. Many say that there is less bickering and pointing fingers. But regardless, the bottom line is, nurses when doing the nursing job, are nurses. I think all should be proud of that.
Personally, I like that "nurse" hearkens back to a long-standing tradition. It suits me to believe there are significant links between our past and our future.
Specializes in Med/Surg, Stepdown, ICU, Emergency Room.
Male nurse here, and I have no problems with the title. I work in the ER so I am usually one of the first people in the room after a patient arrives, they usually start off by saying "Hello doc..." and I don't hesitate at all to correct them and say "My name is xxxxx, I will be your Nurse today."
I do wonder if my manager would let me wear this shirt to work...
I've read that some people, especially men, don't like the title "nurse." It has a feminine connotation, such as nursing an infant, or it just sounds outdated - handmaidens, doctor's helpmate.
My hubby is very, very proud that he earned his RN license and can be called a nurse. He also thinks I'm awesome for nursing my babies and providing our babies milk with superpowers. One meaning of nurse does not diminish the other, because they both rock very much, and the public is certainly smart enough to recognize the difference.
One local hospital is calling it's nurses "Patient Care Coordinators"...I don't work there, but I still don't like it. It sounds like someone who does mostly phone calls and paperwork, which is only a part of our job.
OMG it must be by the same company I work at.
I'm a CNA, but where I work now, my title has changed 2x since Ive been there. Its never been CNA. I think now its something like "Certified Resident Service Provider" or C.R.S.P. Rolls right of the toungue doesnt it
I will NOT be applying for a nursing position there once I pass NCLEX. Im working too hard to a PCC.
Specializes in PICU now, Peds and med-surg in the past.
I love being called nurse, it's something I worked so hard for and am very proud of. And no, I am not above getting those ice cubes for you or another pillow if I happen to be in the room when you need it; however, I do wish that with the multiple types of ancillary staff that work with us people would realize that it isn't necessary to forego the call bell and run into the halls searching out the servant/nurse to get toiletries, blankets, a snack, more DVDs for the patients, drinks for the 9 million visitors, requests for pain meds for people other than the patient etc etc etc......
I am a male nurse. I know it, I don't want to be called anything else. Female connotation, maybe for some still living in the 1960's. In my unit yesterday, there were three charge nurses, we were all male, and the day before. It is really cool when all male nurses work. Not to say anything negative about female nurses, although by default it kind of sounds that way. Many say that there is less bickering and pointing fingers. But regardless, the bottom line is, nurses when doing the nursing job, are nurses. I think all should be proud of that.
neutrophil
87 Posts
I am a male nurse. I know it, I don't want to be called anything else. Female connotation, maybe for some still living in the 1960's. In my unit yesterday, there were three charge nurses, we were all male, and the day before. It is really cool when all male nurses work. Not to say anything negative about female nurses, although by default it kind of sounds that way. Many say that there is less bickering and pointing fingers. But regardless, the bottom line is, nurses when doing the nursing job, are nurses. I think all should be proud of that.