Double Standards

[Flyboy17]

Has anyone noticed a strong double standard among male and female nurses? As a male nurse I feel that I have to be extra vigilant and careful of any actions around many female patients of many ages. I have seen a female nurse enter a room for a cath foley on a 35 y/o male and never think twice. I personally would never dream of even doing such a thing even with a chaperone.

I see these standards across the board with both patients and nurses. I have seen male nurses called dirty ole men and had have seen female nurse further instigate certain procedures with young/attractive male patients and nothing is ever said.

Why is that?

[eatmysoxRN, ASN, RN]

I concur that it is sexist. I think the issue lies more in the patients though. Many men would have no problem with a female nurse inserting a Foley without a male present. However, females may feel differently. Personally, I don't want any more staff than necessary to see me act like a toddler if I had to have a catheter.

Society stinks sometimes. It's the double standard on hair length that really irritates me though.

[cmhnp]

Meh, Ive seen both sides of this, and already stopped worrying about it. I am an FNP with thorough hx in the psych field. On one hand, the extra eyes in the room is to CYA, period. Its great if the patient feels better too, don't get me wrong, but I'm selfish on this one; its protective. I have had an equal number of women who perfer men to women performing paps/pelvics and an almost equal handful that don't care what the gender, as long as they've performed many, and are "good" at them. In my experience, with how much womens body's are subjected to on a regular basis, it really is the guys who are more sensitive on this issue. Beyond the turn your head and cough deal, they are not used to this much invasion of their personal space. Past any of the above stated, their comfort isn't about you, it's about them in a vulnerable position. Theyre not your buddy, and should not have to worry about your feelings on this one. It is not only our job to assess and perform skills, but also to be understanding to their needs, concerns, worries etc...

[Indy, LPN, LVN]

I like to be protective of the men that I work with. I will either cath your little old ladies for you or "assist" you. Sometimes I'll take them to the bathroom for you, no problem. In exchange you help me not completely kill my back with some of my heavy patients. And yes, I try to rotate the help a little so that one guy isn't always doing all the helping; nobody needs to be injured if at all possible.

[ERnurseM]

Started a shift I was supposed to be with another female RN in triage but was pulled to help with a trauma coming in. When I was done I went to triage to help out and was told " you are supposed to be here" I said " I was pulled to trauma help". She then started to give me a bunch of attitude and crap about how she had to medicate and do a bunch of stuff by herself. So I had enough and said I guess u like working by yourself. Left to talk with my charge. If course charge, but told me that I was where I was supposed to be that was trauma and to ignore her and pull me to another section. But to top it off that RN sees me in the hallway and said " you're a baby!". Really ****** me off bc that's unprofessional and attack on my character. I'm 35 at the time x military and heald a lot of different jobs before nursing so I'm not your f ing baby. I did the right thing and not answer back bc in a female dominated field do you think if a male pull that bs he would not be charged for bullying or harassment? That's the double standard. Even if I reported her most ppl would blow it off and she would deny it anyways.

[Sacred eagle]

I have seen male nude foldoutsfrom playgirl magazine coveringthe entire staff bathroom in anintensive care unit. All femalenurse staff. What is wrong withthis picture. What if there were femalenude foldouts from playboymagazine adorning the bathroomat the mammo clinic. This wouldnever happen cause there areno male mammographers. No male nurses in L&D wardsand no male nurses in post opgyn floors. The double standardsrun deeper than you think.

[uRNmyway, ASN, RN]

That isn't true. I have seen amazing L&D and OB/GYN male nurses. If you are good at what you do, then it doesn't matter. But sure, some people will be uncomfortable with having someone of the opposite sex touch them in those areas. Whether it is a matter of generations, culture, religion or just personal prudishness . I've had male Muslim patients refuse to let me examine them and ask for a male nurse. Does it bother me? Nope, shrug my shoulders and go find a male nurse if one is available. If not, well then I'm all they have, but I try to reassure them that they have nothing I haven't seen before, and that my assessment is purely clinical and in no way for personal reasons.

What about female doctors who are referred to as nurses. Because only men can be doctors apparently. LOL.

But there is sexism in all trades. Do you think they don't have foldouts of women around mechanics? Do you think a woman is seen as competent to work with cars? Unfortunately, some trades and professions are traditionally more for one gender or the other. Until those preconceptions are torn down, we will keep having to deal with it.

[Sacred eagle]

My point is male L&D nurses aswell as post-op male nurses arerare. How would you like it if your trip to the mammography clinicwas met by a male who said toyou. " you have nothing I haven'tseen. Funny thing is" there are nomale mammographers. Period!

[Anoetos, BSN, RN]

I like to be protective of the men that I work with. I will either cath your little old ladies for you or "assist" you. Sometimes I'll take them to the bathroom for you, no problem. In exchange you help me not completely kill my back with some of my heavy patients. And yes, I try to rotate the help a little so that one guy isn't always doing all the helping; nobody needs to be injured if at all possible.

More of this, please.