I've been on the receiving end of quite a number of male "nurse" jokes ever since I started college for my BSN. I have not been phased one iota, but now that I'm in school and am around other men, they seem to want to change the terminology to something other than "Male Nurse" (something like "masculine health care technologist" or whatever).
Anyway, I thought I'd do a little research and poll the fine folks here. What do you think: Are you bothered by being called a nurse?
I work with several Licensed Practical Nurses. At my hospital, they have a good deal of autonomy. About all they don't do is IV pushes, hang blood or the first dose of IV antibiotics, and initial assessments on admissions. Actually, most do most of the initial assessment, but it has to be signed off and parts actually done by an RN, and every patient has to get at least one head-to-toe by an RN in each 24 hr period. Most of our LPNs have years of experience, and many are working on their RN degrees.
nursemike, ASN, RN
1 Article; 2,362 Posts
I work with several Licensed Practical Nurses. At my hospital, they have a good deal of autonomy. About all they don't do is IV pushes, hang blood or the first dose of IV antibiotics, and initial assessments on admissions. Actually, most do most of the initial assessment, but it has to be signed off and parts actually done by an RN, and every patient has to get at least one head-to-toe by an RN in each 24 hr period. Most of our LPNs have years of experience, and many are working on their RN degrees.
I have no problem at all calling them nurses.