Guys in Nursing...What's your Input?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello fellow nurses.

I'm a 21 year old male practical nursing student. I have worked in nursing for a little over a year now as a CNA and CMA. One think I have noticed is the very small percentage of males in this profession. I know the stereotype of male doctors have opened up to accept women doctors, but it seems that nursing is still an all women profession in many people's mind. Many of the ladies I take care of in the nursing home adress me doctor, only because I am a man (although it comes in helpfull when feeding sometimes "The doctor said I need to eat", but I always correct the patient when they refer to me as a doctor, don't need any felony charches for impersonating an MD, lol). The few people who are used to see guys in nursing always ask me if I am gay. (I am happily engaged and getting married next september .:roll )

What I would like to know is your experiences with guys in nursing, is it this unusual for a straight guy to consider nursing as a profession. I really love being in nursing.

sorry jnette I reread my post did not mean to sound like it was aimed at you. i guess in a hurry I left out a kep part of my post.oopps:)

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I've been nursing for about 1 year now and received mostly positive feedback for it. I feel that the common "Are you training to be a doctor?" is a natural product of our socialization. I correct them and don't hold it against them.

My fellow staff (females) treat me like a brother and we get along great.

I try to be more sensitive to the privacy concerns of my female patients, especially in our nuns and teenage girls. Some may be a little more uncomfortable but none has yet refused my care.

Once one of our own staff members was hospitalized. I asked a female coworker to put in the catheter. A special anti-embarrassment case for someone I know personally.

A lot of the patient family members tease their mother/grandmother/sister about having a "a cute male nurse", especially in cases of poor eyesight.

Some male patients relate to me well and we "buddy" around.

I feel maleness has only enriched my nursing career. As the percentage of men in nursing increases, the stigmas will fade.

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Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.

OK, Mark...we're kool then. :cool:

Just wanted to clarify myself, in case I was misunderstood. I do sometimes say things that seem to come out the wrong way, meaning sth. entirely different. Thanx for making me aware of it and I'll try to be more careful in the future.

Glad you responded, however.. now I feel better. :)

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Marcus- have close to 20 yrs LTC exp. & let me tell you I've heard it all, gen'lly the female nurses are glad to work w/ us--it's always a riot to hear how ignorant people are--I usually have a flip remark(depending on the nature of question,attitude of the person asking,etc ect.)Over the years I've staightened out many- the list of snappy coments are so many ,I've forgotten most.Just remember we are doing something that most people can't/won't do--the gals are great & they'll cath the alert older (modest) ladies--if you'll take care of the obnoxious dirty old man in such-n-such room w/ the hands that fondle the fems. Do I get flak from this type of pt.? I always hope so--they see the glare in my eyes that males reserve for each other-when one is a gentleman vs a lecherous louse---I think you know the look---and say in firm tones--these ladies are my sisters--guys humiliate my sister-ONCE!!! you will be working w/ a (said earlier) bunch of great nurses!!! We are all comrades doing a job most can't

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When people seem to have a problem with me being a registered nurse, i just tell them I was a United States Marine before entering nursing. Shuts them right Up :-)

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Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.

THAT'll do it !!!:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

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I have been a male since conception, a nurse a much shorter time. In my years of nursing I have had maybe two or three patients tell me that they would prefer that a female care for them. No problem. I have yet to be questioned as to my sexuality. I know that some folks have wondered about it because I do have some gay friends. So what? I have enough self-confidence that I don't much care about alot of that stuff.

If you want to be a nurse, be one. It is a noble calling. Please don't concern yourself with the opinions of the ignorant.

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I entered nursing school in 1975 and have traveled and long and interesting path. Nursing is no longer something that I do, its something that I am and I am not troubled by other people needing to challenge what they don't understand . . . in fact it becomes an opportunity to broaden their lives with counter-perspectives (and engage in some very animated discussions).

I have worked or experienced many, nurse roles and settings and found none of them to be uncomfortable or unfulfulling, neonatal ICU scared me . . . I didn't stay there long. Now that I'm in LTC (for almost 15 years) its funny how similar the institutionalized and demented elderly are like children, and (in the late stages) like neonates.

This is the most real thing I have ever done . . . I have given up most of the rest of my life for nursing - I intend to nurse until the day I die.

There is a place in nursing for men like that place in all dynamic relationships (Yin Yang) for all perspectives and persuasions - the differences make life rich and strengthen nursing, which, in turn is good for not only patients but everyone else.

Show me another profession (or, more accurately calling/vocation) where the focus is to reduce the unnecessary suffering in people's lives and you will find nurses already there.

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Yep, even being a NEW nurse I've seen all that has been mentioned. I work on a PEDS floor and have been called Doctor, but I'm quick to say that I'm a nurse. I've even had little boys tell me, after I said I'm their nurse, "That's a girls job". I just smile and carry on. Though I must say I'm a little bit defeated that parents instill the gender sitgma toward jobs, where else do kids get it from? I must say they are a bit more relaxed when I also tell them I'm an ex-MEDIC. To the guys in school.. Keep on studying!! Work hard!! It will pay off!! Yes you are the few and will probably be fewer as the quarter/semesters go on. Heck even the first day of class, an instructor called out Michelle taking attendance, when the paper distinctly said Michael!! How's that for some first day school bias! I just smiled and politely corrected her. Though deep inside I wanted to say read the darn paper!! That instructor and I never did "connect", but I made it through the class and carried on. let the BS roll off your back and stick to what is important! --Mike

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Originally posted by efiebke

What's my input? I'm a guy and I'm a nurse! :D

Pretty cool, huh! :)

Ted

Sometimes, though, the thought of wearing a white mid-lengthed dress nursing uniform with white stockings is awfully appealing! :clown:

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!:roll

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Originally posted by AJACKT33Z

Marcus- have close to 20 yrs LTC exp. & let me tell you I've heard it all, gen'lly the female nurses are glad to work w/ us--it's always a riot to hear how ignorant people are--I usually have a flip remark(depending on the nature of question,attitude of the person asking,etc ect.)Over the years I've staightened out many- the list of snappy coments are so many ,I've forgotten most.Just remember we are doing something that most people can't/won't do--the gals are great & they'll cath the alert older (modest) ladies--if you'll take care of the obnoxious dirty old man in such-n-such room w/ the hands that fondle the fems. Do I get flak from this type of pt.? I always hope so--they see the glare in my eyes that males reserve for each other-when one is a gentleman vs a lecherous louse---I think you know the look---and say in firm tones--these ladies are my sisters--guys humiliate my sister-ONCE!!! you will be working w/ a (said earlier) bunch of great nurses!!! We are all comrades doing a job most can't

LOVED your post!!! I'd work with you any day!! Would you please move to my town?? haha

I have a male NA as my team member. He is great. He has had an occasional patient ask for a female, and he has no prob asking another NA to go. Kyle is a great fellow and I am proud he is in this profession!

So all you male nurses, nurses-to-be, aides, etc - ROCK ON!!!

:kiss

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Originally posted by rebelwaclause

My next T-Shirt logan: "Male Nurses Wanted...Apply within"

:chuckle

pssst... er, send me one of those, will ya? Thanks! ;)

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