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.
That's the closest I have to a fire emoji. There's a bikini emoji, an electrical plug emoji, even a freakin' Tylenol gel cap emoji. But nary a fire emoji.
I has an indignant-who should I complain to?? 😡😈😇
I think as a nurse it is important to feel comfortable doing intimate procedures on all patients. I am a female and have had to cath several male patients both young and old. It's one thing if your patient requests a female but if they are ok with you doing the procedure then I think you should try to become comfortable with it.
For the record - as a victim of molestation from a male relative I would not want a strange male catherizing me. No offense to him. It took me years to have sex without flashbacks, it took years to open my legs to my female NP gyn, and it would take more strength than I want to again have to battle internal demons.
Would I openly object? Probably not. I'm too scared he would go to a female nurse and say "***** in 6 thinks shes too good for me to see her goodies!"
For the record - as a victim of molestation from a male relative I would not want a strange male catherizing me. No offense to him. It took me years to have sex without flashbacks, it took years to open my legs to my female NP gyn, and it would take more strength than I want to again have to battle internal demons.
Would I openly object? Probably not. I'm too scared he would go to a female nurse and say "***** in 6 thinks shes too good for me to see her goodies!"
I'm so sorry you went through that. The patients have the right to refuse. Do that if you aren't ready.
How is it "sexless" if you refuse to do something based on gender? Isnt sexless not seeing a gender?
I understand pt comfort being top priority but rather than assuming the pt is uncomfortable, try this, ask them. I generally have another RN with me when cathing a female just because it can be tricky and you sometimes need extra hands.
You are a nurse first. Your sex is irrelevant. A nurse is an advocate for their patients above all else. If and only if your patient prefers someone else to perform catheterization other than yourself, that is the only time you would be that patient's advocate and find another nurse that they prefer; but only as an absolute last resort after patient counseling and reassurance that you are more than qualified to handle their care. I am a gay male nursing student. Should this mean I only get to catheterize women, or identify to all my patients that I'm gay first? No. Once you put on your nurse hat, that is all you are. You are there to provide care any way that you can, and be there for your patients in any way that they might need. Shuffling around care because you're focus has shifted from the patient to yourself and what sex you are is inconsistent care. What if the next female nurse you hunt down still hasn't mastered sterile technique, or came to work high, or accidentally forgets a key part in the sterile process, or forgets to ask for the patient's allergy info? The patient now has life a threatening complication due to the infection she now has; not only that, but you've just learned that she would have been totally fine with a male nurse. That situation is on you.
Because y'all long time AN members keep telling new members to search old posts before starting new ones! These old threads are too tempting...it's like free chocolate. Or beer. Or...
That's a horrific situation and I am sorry that you had to go through that; however there are many women who are also guilty of molestation in this country. I don't see how either a man or woman would be better for you in your situation. I would recommend counseling to work through your fear and prejudice. It is also your right to refuse care from anyone for any reason.
How is it "sexless" if you refuse to do something based on gender? Isnt sexless not seeing a gender?
I understand pt comfort being top priority but rather than assuming the pt is uncomfortable, try this, ask them. I generally have another RN with me when cathing a female just because it can be tricky and you sometimes need extra hands.
These issues have been addressed in the previous pages of this thread, complete with lots of confusion, argumentation, and weirdness.
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Because y'all long time AN members keep telling new members to search old posts before starting new ones! These old threads are too tempting...it's like free chocolate. Or beer. Or...
You guys are gonna make him come back. You don't want him to come back!
Jensmom7, BSN, RN
1,907 Posts
Kill it with fire?? ♨ï¸â™¨ï¸â™¨ï¸
That's the closest I have to a fire emoji. There's a bikini emoji, an electrical plug emoji, even a freakin' Tylenol gel cap emoji. But nary a fire emoji.
I has an indignant-who should I complain to?? 😡😈😇