I'm a man who is changing careers to nursing. I'm married and have kids. I thought I wanted to do something like ED nursing, because it is "action packed." I'm in the middle of my OB class, and I love it.
I love having kids. I think babies are amazing. I really want to go for an OB job. I've read some older threads - some from over a decade ago - but I'm wondering how it is these days.
On paper, there's no reason I'm not qualified. I'm in the top 5% of my class and have excellent clinical reviews. Also, I have great rapport with patients. During clinicals, I've been put with difficult patients because I'm good with them.
I'm not just interested in getting the job, because I suspect that I'd get hired just to prove that they weren't discriminating. My question is whether I can succeed on a labor and delivery floor or will there be barriers that a ?
Part of the problem is that to protect yourself legally typically male doctors require an escort whenever doing a lady partsl exam. A male nurse would require the same. It is not practical to have to tie up two staff members. I agree NICU would be a great alternative.
I can't believe some of the responses you have had. We have male drs, male anesthesetists, male OR techs, Male RNs, Male LVNs, male nursing students and instructors. WHY in the world can we not have male OB nurses???? This is blatant gender discrimination from some of the replies. Follow your heart and your passion. I had a male PP nurse and it didn't bother me a bit. GO FOR IT and good luck!
I can't believe some of the responses you have had. We have male drs, male anesthesetists, male OR techs, Male RNs, Male LVNs, male nursing students and instructors. WHY in the world can we not have male OB nurses???? This is blatant gender discrimination from some of the replies. Follow your heart and your passion. I had a male PP nurse and it didn't bother me a bit. GO FOR IT and good luck!
I don't think anyone here has said we "can't" have male OB nurses, just that it would make a lot of women uncomfortable and likely be logistically difficult. Just because you were fine with it doesn't mean the next woman has to be.
I have never known a male OB nurse. As a woman however, I would not have been comfortable with a male nurse and would have requested a female nurse. I know I am far from along in that sentiment.
In all honesty, you will have some cards stacked against you but you should be able to make it. You may have to do some side way stepping to get there such as getting a med-surg position and then applying as a transfer later on. You may have to be able to move. People have biases. There is no reason why you shouldn't be able to be a good OB nurse but people may be hesitant to hire you. Otherwise females shouldn't be urologists, females shouldn't insert male catheters, men shouldn't be doing pelvics as NPs or ob/gyns, etc.
In all honesty, you will have some cards stacked against you but you should be able to make it. You may have to do some side way stepping to get there such as getting a med-surg position and then applying as a transfer later on. You may have to be able to move. People have biases. There is no reason why you shouldn't be able to be a good OB nurse but people may be hesitant to hire you. Otherwise females shouldn't be urologists, females shouldn't insert male catheters, men shouldn't be doing pelvics as NPs or ob/gyns, etc.
Except, as others have pointed out, opposite sex nurses who are doing lady partsl exams or doing anything where the genitalia is involved should have another licensed or unlicensed present just as doctors NPs, etc. must have someone else in the room during lady partsl/pelvic exams, prostate exams, etc. If I'm placing a catheter on a man, I want another person in the room. If I'm having a catheter placed on me by a male nurse, I want someone else in the room. And a great many patients will be unaccepting of him, simply because he is a guy, and their wishes must be accommodated. I would be interested in knowing exactly why this male nurse wants to be a L&D nurse beyond having had a good clinical experience. I agree with others who have said that he might be more welcomed in NICU or peds.
Why would any male want to spend 8 hrs a day looking at a women's private parts and breasts since that is what OBGYN consists of...not babies, per se? To answer your question...most women would prefer a female/refuse a male to discuss female genitalia issues..As most men would prefer a male to look after their member and erectile issues! You will be in a risky position that opens you up to to being accused of improper behavior whether it exists or not! It is what it is! Move on!
mmudell
3 Posts
Part of the problem is that to protect yourself legally typically male doctors require an escort whenever doing a lady partsl exam. A male nurse would require the same. It is not practical to have to tie up two staff members. I agree NICU would be a great alternative.