I think I'm professional, but now I'm not so sure, after I told some American friends that as a male nurse, I don't catheterize women.
'That's sexist' was one of the kinder comments, while one of the more rational comments said - "We are professionals. As long as we behave in a professional way, then we should all have to do the same job."
I naturally asked 'does this mean we're nurses first, and men/women second?' and they didn't give a concise answer.
Am I the only male who thinks that it is harder for a female patient as well as for a male nurse to do such an intimate procedure?
Am I the only nurse who thinks that gender does matter? What harm does it cause if I choose not to do a procedure when there are capable people around who could do it just as well, plus make it easier for the patient. As a male nurse, I need a female chaperone if doing such a procedure on a woman anyway, so why not make it easier for everyone and simply keep the male out of it altogether?
But what does being a "Professional" mean? From what I'm hearing from others it sounds like I am a sexless machine capable of doing it all because that is what I am paid to do. Instead I think of myself as a caring carer. I have my faults and biases. I make mistakes and I sometimes let my feelings help make my decisions. But I have a big heart and I do the job because I care first. I enjoy making people laugh when they're sick. I enjoy being able to make a difference in people's lives. I also do the job recognizing my faults, and if I ever think that my views/faults may jeopardize a patient, I know to get someone else to take over that patient's care. I guess I'm not a very successful Sexless Professional. But I can live with being called sexist and unprofessional, just because I sometimes refuse to do female catheterization. I'm sure there's a lot worse things I could be.
A couple of extra points to mention:
For the record, the female staff used to ask me to catheterize the men, and they'd do the same for my female patients, and we never had a problem.
Also it's strange, but apparently I'm allowed to catheterize little old ladies, but not young women. Sounds a bit ageist to me. Do the feelings of older people not matter as much as those of young people? Naturally I'd never contemplate such a procedure on a young woman.
Great response, I will have to think more broadly. I only meant that I would not recommend it personally. However, if a women patient wanted male, that is her choice and I would not fault her one bit for it, because like you said, it may be influenced by previous experiences.
And that previous post, I identify with Americans only because I am an American citizen, but I do consider myself outside the American culture. By the way, I am sorry, some of that previous post was meant for you, but most of it was for general posters. I will correct it. Thanks for the learning tip!
(I do love debates, but I can get carried away sometimes!
Red Kryptonite, I agree! Totally understand where you are coming from. My brothers and I have never had cell phones or unlimited internet access, and would you believe it, we have survived! Actually, we have found more time to be productive then texting or surfing on a phone all day. Even my computer has strict lockdown on any site that may have a hint of Media.
I agree that we have different backgrounds and standards, but back to that question of legality. For a drastic example, the Nazi government during WWII legalized the murder of six million Jewish people. Because the government approved of it and did nothing to stop it, even furthered the Holocaust as much as possible, was it morally and ethically right?
Before you flame me, that is where the statement, 'if the government legalizes it, and I am fine with it, then it is morally right. There were numbers in Germany who had no problem or did not protest against what was going on. Since only a comparative few were in opposition and majority ruled, was it right?
Going back to the root, Media is destroying our culture and polluting our young people's lives. I have seen the destruction it causes. I say if someone wants to protect their family from such an influence, that is their choice. It takes more courage and strength to go against the current than with it.
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
So there is nothing that is objectively wrong to you?
No. Like I said before, it is their choice. My ex-best friend hates nursing & would go on rants about it. Who am I to do the same about some one & their career choice? I don't know them or why they chose it. If they are happy with their life then let them be.
I have to wonder if you are the one asking for compassion and not your patient. I personally have been a nurse for many years. I am female, but have had only maybe two male patients that chose not to have a female insert a catheter. I never really asked about their comfort level, but feel asking would really bring discomfort and make this more awkward. I believe that it is frustrating whenever female nurses are expected to perform such tasks in addition to their normal duties. I believe if you feel that you should not perform certain care, perhaps you should work in an area where that is not an expectation.
I work with a male CNA that constantly says, "I really don't feel comfortable doing an EKG on her, so I will let you do it" or "I don't think it's appropriate for me to walk her to the bathroom, so you will have to do it." These are just examples. So,patient preferences were never discussed. It was about him instead. I am not sure that showing him compassion makes anything better, as while I am performing his duties, no one is able to perform mine and patients are not getting the nursing care that they deserve. I don't mind doing anything, as I was once a CNA. However, I feel by catering to this CNAs needs, my patients' needs are not always met because I can only do so much while he is reading his book.
I wonder if there's a double standard here, female nurses asking for male nurse help lifting a heavy patient is the same as a male nurse asking a female nurse for help with a female patient in some situations. I'm willing to help anyone for any reason without getting offended though.
I work with a male CNA that constantly says, "I really don't feel comfortable doing an EKG on her, so I will let you do it" or "I don't think it's appropriate for me to walk her to the bathroom, so you will have to do it." .....
CNA's do not do EKG's here . . . .
The OP has already started a thread addressing the issue of Media, so why are people discussing it HERE and not THERE?
Personally, I think that thread came out of this thread and I didn't see it until just a bit ago.
How long before the pot thread is also about Media?
You know... I knew a guy who smoked a lot of pot, killed chickens, watched Media, catheterized women, and was also psychotic. That's right, all three threads are about the same guy!
Parakeet
144 Posts
RNsRWe
Great response, I will have to think more broadly. I only meant that I would not recommend it personally. However, if a women patient wanted male, that is her choice and I would not fault her one bit for it, because like you said, it may be influenced by previous experiences.
And that previous post, I identify with Americans only because I am an American citizen, but I do consider myself outside the American culture. By the way, I am sorry, some of that previous post was meant for you, but most of it was for general posters. I will correct it. Thanks for the learning tip!
(I do love debates, but I can get carried away sometimes!