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.
As a nurse, the only reason I can see that you should be handing off catheters to colleagues if you know your skills are too weak to safely provide care.
Otherwise, I agree with everyone else, that this is definitely more about your discomfort level than your patient's.
Speaking as a previous patient myself-(and a mother of teenagers who have had various surgeries and procedures) I assure you, your skill level and confidence comes before your gender or appearance.
You are absolutely right that if I get even the slightest vibe that you don't want to cath my kid- you're out! Don't come back. (That's the mom in me- not the nurse) Send me someone who is highly trained AND professional instead. I want whatever procedure that needs to be done to be done right the first time, by the best. That is what everyone wants. That's what matters most. My kids, myself and frankly everyone deserves no less than that.
Can't you see what you're saying 'the only reason you can see' - does it occur to you that just maybe, there are other reasons, other values, other cultures who do things different ways. If I could prove to you that my skills weren't weak, and I was making up for the work by helping others more, then what would your reason be then? Can you not see that other people and cultures are not the same as you? And yes, it is also a weakness on my part, but the guys I've worked with in the UK and NZ feel the same way. Should none of be able to be nurses then? Just try and imagine that maybe, just maybe, the way you see the world is not the only way.
Can't you see what you're saying 'the only reason you can see' - does it occur to you that just maybe, there are other reasons, other values, other cultures who do things different ways. If I could prove to you that my skills weren't weak, and I was making up for the work by helping others more, then what would your reason be then? Can you not see that other people and cultures are not the same as you? And yes, it is also a weakness on my part, but the guys I've worked with in the UK and NZ feel the same way. Should none of be able to be nurses then? Just try and imagine that maybe, just maybe, the way you see the world is not the only way.
So what are we getting out of the discussion then, if there are some major cultural variances in this area among the U.S., U.K., Australia & New Zealand? Note to nurses: if working in New Zealand -- it's considered a no-no for male nurses to insert catheters in female patients. Noted. End of story. Can we move along now?
So what are we getting out of the discussion then, if there are some major cultural variances in this area among the U.S., U.K., Australia & New Zealand? Note to nurses: if working in New Zealand -- it's considered a no-no for male nurses to insert catheters in female patients. Noted. End of story. Can we move along now?
Wow, is there some block in your ability to think?
Specializes in Care Coordination, MDS, med-surg, Peds.
I have to admit, that when I first saw the title to this thread I'M A SEXLESS NURSE, I wanted to say, "Oh you poor dear, I bet you can find SOMEONE to change that". OR, what sex would you like to be, but aren't!! Sorry. Bad. bad. BAD Silverbat!!!
Strange, but of the hundreds of girls I've referred to the gynaecologist (I work in schools now) they all, every single one of them, only agree to go if it's a female gynaecologist
Also - the male nurse needs a chaperone anyway, so why not let the woman do it.
nursingaround1
This is an excellent example of confirmation bias. You see this as inappropriate and as a sexually tinged issue, so you look all around you and latch onto every little bit of anecdotal evidence that confirms your idea. As a previous poster noted, when you are caring for patients, you are a nurse first and a male second.
By the way, use of a chaperone during exams is not universal, and if there is a chaperone, she may be a clerk, CNA, etc. and not be able to do it for you. And, it's simply not fair to your nurse colleague shift work to them.
would they have only female doctors examine female patients?
Your opinion doesn't matter, the patient's does. it's not about you, and all about them. And it's not about the other nurses either.
Over the years I've been told in some places that the policy was men with the men and the women with the women. I asked to see it in writing, but it was never there. If a patient requests a woman, I would try to comply with their wishes, if it does not create a situation that can adversely affect them.
This is an excellent example of confirmation bias. You see this as inappropriate and as a sexually tinged issue, so you look all around you and latch onto every little bit of anecdotal evidence that confirms your idea. As a previous poster noted, when you are caring for patients, you are a nurse first and a male second.
By the way, use of a chaperone during exams is not universal, and if there is a chaperone, she may be a clerk, CNA, etc. and not be able to do it for you. And, it's simply not fair to your nurse colleague shift work to them.
Everything is anecdotal evidence. Nursing research is majority anecdotal, as proved by every study stating "more research needs to be done" on said project, because it is anecdotal….
But again you point out anecdotal evidence of the double standard in your next to last sentence.
As a directive, male or female, we are required to have two people in the room whether it is a nurse/nurse or nurse/tech whenever these types of procedures are taking place.
A former co-worker who was a male CNA was accused by a geriatric female patient who had severe dementia of inappropriate contact. While his integrity was never questioned, he was forced to be out to work until the allegations were investigated.
As nurses, we are to be professional in our approach and if there is even a hint of impropriety we must protect ourselves and ensure the patients clearly comprehend the care and procedures that are needed to take place. Of course if the patient refuses and only request females (per religious beliefs ect.) we must respect their beliefs and make the needed changes
As a paramedic I have to treat including foleys females of all ages. I am a professional I don't care about your gender as a patient. I am concerned with giving the best care possible.
nursingaround1
247 Posts
Can't you see what you're saying 'the only reason you can see' - does it occur to you that just maybe, there are other reasons, other values, other cultures who do things different ways. If I could prove to you that my skills weren't weak, and I was making up for the work by helping others more, then what would your reason be then? Can you not see that other people and cultures are not the same as you? And yes, it is also a weakness on my part, but the guys I've worked with in the UK and NZ feel the same way. Should none of be able to be nurses then? Just try and imagine that maybe, just maybe, the way you see the world is not the only way.