Husband uncomfortable with my job!

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I started my CNA class this week (it is required for acceptance into nursing school here). I was telling him about the different things I'll be doing as a CNA and then as a nurse. He became upset when I talked about bathing people.

My husband is concerned that I will be touching other men to bathe them. I tried to explain that it's just a bath, kind of like bathing a child, nothing sexual, but he's still concerned.

Now, he hasn't gotten angry or tried to talk me out of nursing, but he still isn't comfortable with me touching other men. Any suggestions on how to ease his mind?

Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

*Raises hand* "Here!"

"By the way, this probably has to do a little with maturity .... we're only 24, so he's still got some growin' up to do!

I was a little alarmed at your original post, but when I looked at your age, I thought, "Well, if he is 24 also, he may just have some growing up to do." So I was relieved to read your 2nd post.

I guess you just need to reassure him that he's the only man for you. Also, maybe if it is ever possible for him to take a walk thru the floor with you just so he can witness the "sterile" environment he may have a better idea of what it is REALLY like. I agree with a previous poster that shows like Grey's Anatomy don't help by way of portraying what hospital life is really like.

As a young woman, you just remember to always stay true to yourself, and if you do start to get strange vibes from your hubby and feel like he is getting a little more neurotic about you and your career/life, nip it in the bud and be sure to tell him what's what!:wink2:

Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

My dh (back before I worked exclusively with women and children on mother/baby) always asked me incredulously, "You mean you actually put tubes in people's memberes? You actually have to hold them?" Me: "Yes." Him: "It doesn't turn you on?" And the answer was always a big fat "NOT IN THE LEAST." And, after a few descriptions of nasty wounds and pus coming from the most unlikely of places, I think he got the idea. He stopped asking after a while. He knows I've seen a lot of private parts in my time and it doesn't bother him anymore...or if it does, he hides it well. Because he knows that what I do at work has nothing at all to do with him, and vice versa.

I understand his concern. Someone who is not in the field or a similar one generally has no concept of what we do on a daily basis, and it's a valid concern. But with enough reassurances - and maybe a healthy dose of reality on what you're actually doing at work - he'll probably come around. Good luck.

Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

No offense, but your husband sounds like an idiot.

Tell him "If you don't like me doing this job, then you will need to support me while I sit home and eat peeled grapes."

I simply cannot abide ignorant, insecure men.

I started my CNA class this week (it is required for acceptance into nursing school here). I was telling him about the different things I'll be doing as a CNA and then as a nurse. He became upset when I talked about bathing people.

My husband is concerned that I will be touching other men to bathe them. I tried to explain that it's just a bath, kind of like bathing a child, nothing sexual, but he's still concerned.

Now, he hasn't gotten angry or tried to talk me out of nursing, but he still isn't comfortable with me touching other men. Any suggestions on how to ease his mind?

No offense, but your husband sounds like an idiot.

Tell him "If you don't like me doing this job, then you will need to support me while I sit home and eat peeled grapes."

I simply cannot abide ignorant, insecure men.

Yeah......thats what I said. (disregard of what I said wrong)

Ask him to get a high paying job or do 2 shifts so that you can the princess at home and get your nails done!

Oh well....maybe she loves him too much! I want my wife to be dedicated to me too!

Specializes in oncology, trauma, home health.
Yeah......thats what I said. (disregard of what I said wrong)

Ask him to get a high paying job or do 2 shifts so that you can the princess at home and get your nails done!

Oh well....maybe she loves him too much! I want my wife to be dedicated to me too!

This is America, a lot of us "girls" take care of ourselves. Nails or no..

Unlikely as it may sound we don't need some guy to take an extra shift so we can dedicate ourselves to our men and get our nails done.

Specializes in Med/Surg/Ortho/HH/Radiology-Now Retired.

This is an old article, but probably just as relevant today ...............

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/590198.stm

Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.
No offense, but your husband sounds like an idiot.

Tell him "If you don't like me doing this job, then you will need to support me while I sit home and eat peeled grapes."

I simply cannot abide ignorant, insecure men.

You know, women are constantly complaining that men don't communicate their feelings, so when they do reveal their insecurities they are idiots? I don't think that's a very understanding approach.

Let's face it, we all have insecurities. I think it's great that this young woman's hubby confides in her! Then, she comes to this forum to ask for some imput and she gets told 'run, as fast as you can' 'he's abusive, he's a jerk, he's an idiot, he's controlling, yada yada'. I don't think that's a constructive approach.

He doesn't sound like an idiot to me, but a normal young male who feels uncomfortable with the thought of his wife touching the member of male patients.

Unfortunately, the media has created an image for the public where the female nurses are portrayed as vampy sex kittens and the male nurses are obviously gay, or less masculine.

It couldn't be further from the truth, but this is what a lot of people think about us.

you mean we're NOT? :eek: Oh dang it, :banghead:i thought this job would turn me into a vampy sex kitten. Ah well, back to being a stewardess.......:rotfl:

Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

And that's what's known as opinions. Which she sought.

You know, women are constantly complaining that men don't communicate their feelings, so when they do reveal their insecurities they are idiots? I don't think that's a very understanding approach.

Let's face it, we all have insecurities. I think it's great that this young woman's hubby confides in her! Then, she comes to this forum to ask for some imput and she gets told 'run, as fast as you can' 'he's abusive, he's a jerk, he's an idiot, he's controlling, yada yada'. I don't think that's a constructive approach.

He doesn't sound like an idiot to me, but a normal young male who feels uncomfortable with the thought of his wife touching the member of male patients.

Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

I think you can give opinions without name calling...

Specializes in ICU/CVU.
My dh (back before I worked exclusively with women and children on mother/baby) always asked me incredulously, "You mean you actually put tubes in people's memberes? You actually have to hold them?" Me: "Yes." Him: "It doesn't turn you on?" And the answer was always a big fat "NOT IN THE LEAST." And, after a few descriptions of nasty wounds and pus coming from the most unlikely of places, I think he got the idea. He stopped asking after a while. He knows I've seen a lot of private parts in my time and it doesn't bother him anymore...or if it does, he hides it well. Because he knows that what I do at work has nothing at all to do with him, and vice versa.

I understand his concern. Someone who is not in the field or a similar one generally has no concept of what we do on a daily basis, and it's a valid concern. But with enough reassurances - and maybe a healthy dose of reality on what you're actually doing at work - he'll probably come around. Good luck.

Normally I do not like to fully quote others' posts....but this one summed up this topic well. Well put, nothing more to add.

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