Emotional Stress - "You're a what?!"

Nurses Stress 101

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If this post is more suitable for the Male Nursing forum, please move it there.

Lately here, I have just been some overwhelmed with all of the negative comments I have been receiving as a male nurse. Not from patients, but from "friends" and even some controversy with family.

I don't understand what people think is so horrible and disgusting about being in a career with a drive to help people and improve their lives. When people look at me and ask me what I do, I respond and either get a shocked reaction or they'll simply say "Oh... why would you want to do that?" or something along the lines - and my most recent favorite "you're a what?!".

It's very hard when I get comments like these to keep my mindset that I enjoy helping patients and that the distress is worth it. Especially when coming from other males that work in construction or a related field, they think it's wretched. Ok, when your saw slips and chops your mits off and I end up seeing you in the ER, I wonder if you'll still think the same way. I mean come on!! What is wrong with some people?! Treating health care workers just so disrespectfully, only to receive the respect we deserve when they need help (and in some cases, not even then).

I'm not saying that we are above the general public or DESERVE more respect, but just common courtesy and just if people would look at what we do in such a way that if it was not for us, they would not be on this earth, family members would not be alive, and some things they take for granted would not be the way it is. It takes every bit of energy I have some days to just walk away and smile, opposed to snapping and stomping on things (not literally just... ugh!).

Just a bit of a vent I guess. I'd love to hear about others and what they have to say. I guess it comes with the job. I must say though, I do love what I do... the majority of the time. :p

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Specializes in Peds Hem, Onc, Med/Surg.

I don't see what the big deal is. To me being a male nurse is a smart thing. Who wouldn't love a job were you are surrounded by the other sex? LOL

Even though that does sound jerkish, I told one of nursing buddies' mom that because she was giving him a hard time and that got her thinking.

I do love my male nurses though they provide so much needed support and they are not menopausal like the other nurses on the floor.*cough*me*cough* ;)

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

In this recession, I would bet you are employed and earning a decent wage and some of them aren't. Maybe its jealousy?

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Specializes in ICU/ER.

Many nights the only staff in our ER is male and they need to call one of us "chick" nurses down to witness if they need to do a female exam!!

I know that doesnt help you with comebacks but in all honesty I have just never heard comments like that about male nurses.

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Thanks for the replies.

This isn't what's going on the workplace. I enjoy working, it's just those few select people lately that have really been putting me on edge. I'm sure as more males go into the field and those who have a misconception about us see how we have an equal effect on the care they receive, it won't be such a big issue.

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Please ignore these comments. They are most likely making comments

about women choosing careers in police, fire or engineering.

A female plumber in our area won a national award recently.

These folks making comments need to catch up to reality.

If you enjoy your work, keep focused. You can bet some of these

fellows will be relieved to see a male nurse if they are hospitalized

or at the ER. You excel in an area that they are not familiar

or comfortable in. To have the courage and skill to care for

people who are in medical or emotional crisis can be threatening

to some individuals. You may find that after revealing you are an

RN, and the "You're a what" response there will be an outpouring

of their troubles to you.

Nursing has not marketed themselves as some areas have such as

teaching. In recent years the only ad I have seen about nurses

was one from Johnson and Johnson highlighting the career opportunities.

Nurses are to busy and dedicated to caring for their patients.

Patients do care and appreciate you--so just let the rest go!

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

dh got those sorts of comments from his male relatives . . . until he pointed out that he went into nursing to meet women and that he'd met quite a few. that was years ago! now he says he went into nursing to meet me! those same male relatives, most of whom are now unemployed, are considering going into nursing themselves now!

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Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..
Lately here, I have just been some overwhelmed with all of the negative comments... etc

They are just jealous! They too want to self-actualize and become who they were MEANT to be - but are TOO CHICKEN! kudos to you!!

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I am currently a student nurse and I've encouraged my husband to get into nursing. He's an electrician and has been in the world of construction for 12 years. He's got his EMT-B and volunteers for a local FD.

My husband has had tons of support and encouragement to jump into nursing, especially from his "macho" construction buddies and the "tough" guys at the FD.

I'd say the people who are giving you negative comments are jealous or they just have NO CLUE about the medical world. I, for one, like working with male nurses. Keep your head up and be proud of what you do!! :)

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Just for the record- some of my favorite nurses have been men. Don't let people get you down. I've been a woman in a traditional male field (drafting) and I know- it's no picnic... But- given time, you just kinda make your place and people get over the double take. Don't let people's ignorance get you down. :)

If this post is more suitable for the Male Nursing forum, please move it there.

Lately here, I have just been some overwhelmed with all of the negative comments I have been receiving as a male nurse. Not from patients, but from "friends" and even some controversy with family.

I don't understand what people think is so horrible and disgusting about being in a career with a drive to help people and improve their lives. When people look at me and ask me what I do, I respond and either get a shocked reaction or they'll simply say "Oh... why would you want to do that?" or something along the lines - and my most recent favorite "you're a what?!".

It's very hard when I get comments like these to keep my mindset that I enjoy helping patients and that the distress is worth it. Especially when coming from other males that work in construction or a related field, they think it's wretched. Ok, when your saw slips and chops your mits off and I end up seeing you in the ER, I wonder if you'll still think the same way. I mean come on!! What is wrong with some people?! Treating health care workers just so disrespectfully, only to receive the respect we deserve when they need help (and in some cases, not even then).

I'm not saying that we are above the general public or DESERVE more respect, but just common courtesy and just if people would look at what we do in such a way that if it was not for us, they would not be on this earth, family members would not be alive, and some things they take for granted would not be the way it is. It takes every bit of energy I have some days to just walk away and smile, opposed to snapping and stomping on things (not literally just... ugh!).

Just a bit of a vent I guess. I'd love to hear about others and what they have to say. I guess it comes with the job. I must say though, I do love what I do... the majority of the time. :p

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Specializes in School Nursing.

And my husband who is an auto mechanic is just a stupid grease monkey whose knuckles drag the ground...

What I'm saying is you will get insulted no matter what profession you are in, just be happy if you have a reliable job in a profession you love.

BTW-hubby is one of the most intelligent people I know:redbeathe

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