How do you deal with female patients?

[Dr.Nurse2b]

I am a student currently working as a Nurse Tech...I often encounter females who are apprehensive about receiving care from me...a male. I am starting to dread day shift...it seems I keep getting the 70 year old ladies that are like "Are you kidding?"

How do you deal with this? The next shift is less then happy when I tell them that only Mr. John Doe got a bath today.

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

mr. normandy;

I am truly sorry you have been made to feel uncomfortable as a male nurse by female co-workers. Let me assure you, most female nurses do not feel as if a male nurse is some sort of predator. I hope this never happens again, if it does, please be professional but address the issue quickly. I wish you blessing today.

[mr normandy]

The point I want to make was my treatment as a Male patient by

female nurses.

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

mr. normandy

Excuse me, but once again, I am at a loss as to why a female nurse would treat a sick man in this manner. It was certainly unprofessional. I hope you addressed this issue with the HN. Once again, blessing to you.

[RedBrick]

I was a CNA for 3 years while taking prereqs before full-time nursing school began for me. To be honest, I never gave it much thought when it came to giving someone a bath. I took the CNA course through the hospital where I worked. I was taught very well, and I knew exactly what was expected of me. I only remember very few times when a female patient asked for a female CNA. I am in my 50s and I think that may have something to do with the comfort level. I am there to care for my patients, and I think my approach bears that out. Most of the time I had a pretty good time with my patients. I use humor a lot in my dealing with people.

[reckton]

I'm just a student so I can offer very little hands on insight. But, that being said, I feel that we must remember that our job is to care for patients first and foremost. If there is issues with a male/female situation, be professional and respect the patients wishes, but not at the expense of quality care.

[nurselizk]

Even if your patient is uncomfortablle with the idea of a guy giving her bath, you can do most of the bath and have someone else finish up. It was never a problem on my unit. The guys would swap with us for the baths or we'd do peri-care and caths for them. I do believe that approaching the patient confidently helps. An awful lot of women have no problem with a nurse of any gender giving a bath. As for the patients who are reluctant to get bathed at all, we usually have a chat which includes a comment that most patients feel better after getting cleaned up, turned and clean linens placed. Never had one yet that said they were sorry they agreed to a bath.

[up2late]

I consider myself a fairly liberated woman, and much as I hate to admit it, I refuse to have a male gynecologyst.

That said, you can act professional and remember you have the same training, etc... But in the end - literally and metaphorically - you have to remember not to take it personally if a female doesn't want a male nurse to bathe her. You're a guy, and most females even today don't want a guy they don't know touching their personal areas.

Imagine it this way: you are a perfectly lucid guy in the hospital as a patient. If you had your choice between a male to bathe you and a female, who would be your preference?

Don't take it personally. It ain't about you.

[nrsman1]

I don't take it personal. I just have to understand that this is the patients request and I respect that. I have also noticed that how often the patient has been in the hospital makes a difference as to how accepting they are of different (male) nurses. I think of it this way, If I were in the hospital(at this point in my life) would I want a FEMALE nurse? honestly for the more intimate parts I would probably want a male.

[adamwade]

I am a 35 year old male nursing student. One thing you have to realize is that you are the "nurse" not the patient. If a patient does not want a male doctor they are not going to want a male nurse.

The word nurse is defined as " to care for or nourish back to health" it is your responsibility to respect the wishes of the patient.

Do not take anything to heart, besides in my clinical experience the women that do not want a male nurse are usually the over-bearing patients that complain about everything so you are better off not caring for them.

[Dr.Nurse2b]

THANK YOU...

After listening to all your great advise I believe I have made it to the next level...

Before entering my patient's room I clearly define what it is I will be doing...bath, bandage, potty, monitor leads, etc." I have a clear image in my mind as to how patient interaction will occur...step-by-step. I gather everything I will need for the procedure and then enter the room. I introduce myself and begin with "Mrs. Doe" this morning I am going to --- xyx ---. I continue..."First I will do this, then that and finally this". I conclude with "do you have any questions before we being?". I pause for moment to answer questions and then begin.

For the most part, events have gone exactly as I invision. I had one patient who indicated she was "not comfortable with a man bathing her." I explained to her that in this case "I am not a man, I am your caregiver and a professional". I explained that I "would do whatever was necessary to make her stay more comfortable." She smiled and said "OK".

I am finding that if I display confidence then my patient has confidence in me.

Thanks for getting me through this.

[plowboy911]

Interesting discussion. I have never really found it to be a problem. I refuse assignments for any young women and otherwise go about my business. If i have to put on tele leads that's what I do. Of course you being a tech is a bit different, but working days I typically have zero time for baths. Just be confident and know that you are there as a caregiver. Easier said than done?