Is OB/GYN an eye opening for young MALE student?

keno138 · Nov 4, 2008

I'm kind of in the same boat being a 22 y/o male nursing student. There are plenty of male healthcare workers out there in all fields. If something feels awkward, just keep a straight face and be professional. If you show feelings of awkwardness the patient might feel the same way. Just keep in mind that you are a healthcare provider and your scope of practice includes all areas of the male and female body.

Turtle in scrubs · Nov 4, 2008

I'm kind of in the same boat being a 22 y/o male nursing student. There are plenty of male healthcare workers out there in all fields. If something feels awkward, just keep a straight face and be professional. If you show feelings of awkwardness the patient might feel the same way. Just keep in mind that you are a healthcare provider and your scope of practice includes all areas of the male and female body.

I agree. Patients often take cues from their healthcare providers.

Good luck to you. Hope it all goes well!

judy ann · Nov 4, 2008

I have been an obstetrics nurse for MANY years, and have worked with a few gentlemen (and I say that because that is what they were) who were among the best OB nurses I have ever known. If you think about it, many of the patients have a male doctor. You can be a great male nurse--even in OB.

Nascar nurse, ASN, RN · Nov 4, 2008

I will go here in the next 7 weeks after i'm done with my 1st nursing class.
Is it awkwark for a male nursing student at age 19 to go to OB/GYN?

You have your age stated as 58 years old in your heading...what's up with that??

Roberta88 · Nov 4, 2008

You have your age stated as 58 years old in your heading...what's up with that??

I'm a little confused too... Your screenname has 1987 in it... wouldn't that make you 21? or 20 if your birthday is in november or december? I'm confused... :bugeyes:

hnt1987 · Nov 4, 2008

1987 is my favorite number, not my birthday & choose it for a Cold War event in history.

I changed the age later.

Anyway, i heard that some pregnant ladies does not like young male nurse b/c they think we're inmature especially when it's come to ages.

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2008

"Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!".

But seriously, I don't understand this comment:

Anyway, i heard that some pregnant ladies does not like young male nurse b/c they think we're inmature especially when it's come to ages.

sharkdiver · Nov 4, 2008

Anyway, i heard that some pregnant ladies does not like young male nurse b/c they think we're inmature especially when it's come to ages.

I hate to break it to you, but most 19-21 year olds are immature - and that goes for females as well as males.:nuke: Focus on maintaining a professional demeanor and you should be fine.

Judy Ann's point on being a "gentleman" is a good one. Treating your patients and co-workers with courtesy and respect goes a long way in getting them to do the same to you.

There are a significant number of women that don't want any male caregivers for OB due to the intimate nature of the care involved, and that is their right. Fortunately there are enough that don't mind that it's rarely a problem. Good luck with your clinicals - I hope it goes well for you.

rn/writer, RN · Nov 4, 2008

Patients will not know your exact age. They might see that you are young, but will be more interested in how you conduct yourself. If you act in a mature manner and behave respectfully, that should outweigh concerns about your youth.

That is not to say that every patient will want to have a male student observing or participating in their care. Some women (or their significant others) don't want male caregivers. Some don't want students. So you can see that a male student might run into resistance.

That said, there are patients who are receptive to students and are okay with males.

Don't take it personally if a patient doesn't want your participation. Just make sure that it's one of the reasons I mentioned above and not silliness or a lack of maturity on your part.

Batman24 · Nov 4, 2008

I went to school with a few male nursing students and they didn't run into any problems in OB/GYN. One of the men I graduated with works in OB/GYN now for almost a year they loved they unit so much. He was welcomed with open arms by the staff and patients.

My instructor introuded them the same as she did the female students as she should. She didn't sway the patients one way or the other like I've read and heard about. We had one patient who wouldn't accept any students whether they be male or female but the others welcomed all of us.