Gender Issues in Nursing

Wuiteroz · Apr 14, 2003

You know, I have no idea why, but this question reminded me of the movie Meet The Parents

lol the poor guy :)

"..can you at least consider getting another profession?"

lol did you watch it?!!

ShelleyERgirl, LPN · Apr 14, 2003

Originally posted by SmilingBluEyes
sigh

OH please don't let this degenerate ...please

Good luck perusing the males in nursing threads...as sjoe says, your answers lie there. Best of luck to you. And welcome to the boards.

Amen, just check out the threads, that would be the best thing to do. Good luck on your project.

davegal41 · Apr 14, 2003

Thanks for all of the help so far. I will most definitely check out the threads when I get some free time this week. But, if any one still has any experiences they'd like to share regarding either discrimination they've experienced because of their gender, or either a promotion or a hault in your career because of it, I'd really like to hear. What about the pay? Does everyone make the same, just depending on seniority? Do you feel that if there were more ad's out there depicting male nurses (since most of America stereotypes a "nurse" to be female) that more men would be attracted to the field? Any more comments would be greatly appreciated!:)

Tweety, BSN, RN · Apr 14, 2003

Originally posted by caroladybelle
Well, I have as friends, a female gastroenterologist and a female urologist, and both of them have encountered bias from male patients and been referred to as "chick docs" in my presence.

You don't call any other profession by its gender?
Actors - Actresses
Stewards - Stewardesses
Waiters - Waitresses
Policemen - Policewomen
Servicemen - Servicewomen
Custodian - Maid
Assistant - Girl Friday

This is tongue in cheek and not a criticism, but you're not very politically correct in your list.

Don't ever call a flight attendant a "stewardess", they hate it. Waitresses and waiters are using "server" more often now I've noticed. Maids are "housekeepers". Do they still use "Girl Friday"??? Girl Friday sounds very outdated, I wouldn't be brave enough to call a female office worker/secretary or assistant and Girl Friday.

:eek:

mattsmom81 · Apr 14, 2003

Search the archives Davegal, and good luck on your project.

mario_ragucci · Apr 14, 2003

As a postponed male nurse who has been employed in a hospital as a CNA for one year, I see us all in healthcare sharing a special time in human social development. I apologize , in advance, if I sound like a geek and please do not hate me for my opinion.

It's no secret that nursing has been a tradional female role, and one of the few in the man's/patriarhial world we live. Also, in todays economic climate, you can expect many people to be under the gun for money. In other words, there are male and female nurses who are just doing this for the money and they are not very charming people to be around because of their additudes.

Some women do look at men differently/unfairly. It's not their fault and it's really not worth defining examples of sexist behavior. It is important to know it exists, and to acknowledge when it can/does exist in respectful ways. We all blend and can work well together as an alert and conscious team members.

It's up to the men who are presently entering nursing to have forgiveness for sexist/antiquated nurses. This is an exciting part of human behavior development for all nurses, and the guys should understand how times are changing and only time can change peoples preconceived and rude behaviors to one another based on their gender.

Some men have/will act just as rude and silly as some women do if the tables were turned and it would be a majority of men, instead of women.

In old NYC, the expression is: 'Heyyyy, what are ya gonna do, huh?" Don't forget to smile :-)

fergus51 · Apr 14, 2003

LOL! I always hear people say "female doctor". Since I work in OB it's true on more than one level:) Even the male OB docs are "female doctors";)

I work in a unionized facility so pay is dependant on experience only. I have read articles that have found men tend to advance to management positions (which pay better) faster than women even when experience is equal.

sanakruz, ADN · Apr 14, 2003

Just remeber. there is no such thing as "reverse sexism. " It's just

SEXISM

majrn · Apr 14, 2003

I find it refreshing to work with men as my equal because I dont have to deal with catty, back stabbing etc. Yes there are times when a female would prefer a female nurse for certain proceedures or tasks but professional nurses, male or female, dont take advantage of the situations and simply respect pt wishes.

Disablednurse · Apr 14, 2003

I had back surgery back in July of last year. My nurse was a male and I swear he was the best nurse I have ever had. My father is of the old southern school and was not really taken with him, but my husband and myself were both very pleased with him. While staying with me, my DH almost died r/t BP problems and my nurse was so attentive to both my DH in getting him to the ER and making sure that I was kept informed on his condition. When the shift changed I had a female nurse come on and she was nice but very impersonal and at times acted like I was a problem when I called for help. Just like in all professions, you have good nurses, mediocre nurses and bad nurses and they come in all shapes, sizes, colors and sexes. You cannot judge a book by its cover.

cokie · Apr 14, 2003

must apologize to the kind nurse who posted behind me on page one. my post did imply that SOME male nurses (sorry) may use this excuse to get out of work. i now realize the error of my ways and i should have said, "at the place i work". because i realize now that the place that i work is weird. i have two jobs and am getting ready to drop this one where this behavior is going on. it is not the only weird behavior. take care and hope that everyone is having a great week.........

liberalrn · Apr 14, 2003

Why the anxiety re: starting a new thread about this topic? If there are those who have been there, done that, why not just not access the thread? I loathe searching archives.

I enjoy working w/ males who are nurses. I have found for the most part that they are mature, caring individuals. And I have seen behavior (once) by a female nurse that was sexual harassment pplain and simple; depants-ing a gut at the station all in the name of fun (wtf?). He did not report it (he should have) and she is long gone on long term disability......also have noticed that the mistaking of male nurse for doc is fading, saw alot of that in the 80's (Mike and I used to laugh about it!)