Discrimination of Men as nurses?

[bonestAx]

I have seen a post or two or more that talk about Men being treated differently than women in Nursing.

I am just wondering. Does this really happen that often? Is this really a problem?

I have bee in and around nursing for about 3 years now and I have not once experienced this to myself or anyone else.

My question is. Are you being discriminated against because you are a man or because of the old stereotype of Gay men being nurses? Which one is causing the discrimination.

[jottRN]

I had one instructor who seemed to pick on the paperwork of the few guys we had in our class--and at one point made a statement to the effect of men are no good at paperwork. Considering that my writing and charting had received good feedback from all other instructors, I felt that she was a little bias. Other than that, I can't say that I've been treated unfairly in school nor in the workplace. In fact, I've been told on multiple occasions that it is nice having male nurses around because we tend to have a more calm demeanor and don't contribute as much to unit drama. These statements were from female nurses by the way, so I hope ladies don't think I'm trying to accuse them of being dramatic and emotional or anything like that.

[somenurse]

I've seen male nurses get fawned over, get treated with more respect by some of the male doctors as well as *some* of the nurse managers,

and i've chuckled when male nurses get absolutely adored for even minimal effort by some patients, (same move by female nurse gets no effusive response), i've seen male nurses get into specialty units faster than some female nurses who i knew had also applied and were equally qualified or more qualified, more so in the past maybe, but, males used to be chosen over females very often.

I've followed male nurses who had patients that rave about them, partly it seemed out of the sheer novelty of being cared for by a male. (not to say, that the male nurse wasn't great nurse, but, that same pt might not rave that enthusiastically about their female nurses).

but, on the other hand, i have seen some male nurses have to deal with being rejected by a few patients (but, i've also seen a few female nurses be rejected for whatever reason, but not for their gender), and i really do see how the male nurse really IS sought out everytime we move a big patient, oh wow, that is so so true, i'd bet their back injury rate has to be way higher than female nurses, but, that's just a guess.

I've seen a few individual male nurses be less than appreciated now and then, but, it seems to mostly happen to those with real quirky habits or really really odd personalities. But no doubt, there can be some oddball doctor, patient, or manager here or there,

who doesn't respond as well to a male nurse, due to his/her own preconceptions or whatever.

but generally,

to me,

it seems most male nurses are usually very well received by both other nurses, doctors, and patients.

I much enjoy having male nurses for coworkers, gender doesn't matter to me,

and when men first started showing up in noticeable numbers i was so stoked, thinking this might help increase nursing pay overall, YESsssss!..........but, it never did.

edit: i haven't seen a male nurse be assumed to be gay in eons, but, wow, yeah, long ago, that did seem to be something that america had to outgrow,

but, mostly it seems they have. I think that one is mostly over, imo.

[somenurse]

Maybe I'm living in a bubble, but I have never been asked about my sexuality, never faced negative treatment, and have always loved my professional female colleagues . I have seen them put up with male's crap though-that's a different thread though.

BostonTerrierLover, you are a dude? ha, i never knew that. I liked your post here, and your posts don't seem to indicate you live in a bubble.

also,

i really think some individuals--of either gender--- can carry themselves in such a way, as to almost automatically be liked or respected by most ppl.

[NurseGuyBri]

I suppose I am the stereotypical male nurse as I am gay. I think though that there is discrimination in any job or field. I am not flagrant, flamboyant, loud, or prissy. Most people are shocked when they find out. I am always asked to move heavy patients, the younger girls always want me to hang out, so on and so forth. My significant other of 5+ years is an LPN and Unit manager, and I think he feels the same way. I'm a nurse because I like nursing, not because I'm gay.

[IThinkICan100]

I am currently a nursing student, but I worked in a hospital as a dietetic aide (I would also help with rudimentary patient care.) I was stationed on Tele and Rehab. Most of my patients were elderly women and didn't care about my gender. Although, MANY of the elderly women would hit on me!!! I had one elderly lady very seriously ask if I could come by her room after hours and do the nasty with her!!!

I only had one problem with a female patient. Even as a dietetic aide, I saw a lot of crazy people, deaths, and nudity. I had one elderly woman that was dressing in her room. I knocked and asked if I could come in multiple times and there was no answer (which almost always meant they were asleep.) I walked in and she was rather shocked. I just apologized and said I would come back later. It was no big deal, but she complained to the nursing staff and was rather rude to me the rest of her stay. She had Alzheimer's, so she forgot the next day. Lol

I think in the near future us male nurses will have less discrimination in the nursing field. It's just a shift from old social norms.