I'm a sexless nurse

[nursingaround1]

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.

Curious about your thoughts on this.

[Nyteflyr]

First of all I hate,loathe and despise the term "male nurse" No where on any of the documents I have received for the past 38 years has there been a place for sex!

Secondly, when I first became a nurse there was plenty of prejudice from my peers. I am thrilled to see some of the comments here from female nurses. But the elephant in the room is acting like a professional and taking into account what the patient wants. I remember a very young women that I took care of in a neuro trauma unit who was in traction in a very embarrassing position with her legs spread. She was thrilled that I took such good care of her. Most of the times it has been my experience that other nurses had a lot more problem with who I was taking care of than my patients. But having said that a male has to be careful as does a male doctor. I will do whatever it takes to care for my patients. That is all that is important. If as a male you can't take care of your patient and keep them first, then you don't need to be a nurse Male or female!

[Farawyn]

This thread again?

[NurseStorm, BSN, RN]

I sincerely don't see the female cath delegation a pawning off of work. I don't get angry when asked to lift assist large patients. I'm sorry you worked with a "lazy" male CNA. I am not lazy. I am a bang-up hardworking male RN, and I get shutdown on female catheterization ALL THE TIME by the patients themselves. I'm dumbfounded by your generalizations. You may have gotten a bad vibe by the OP, but now you're judging ME as well based on a CNA you used to work with? Really? I hope you can process the difference and dialogue with me to flush out your biases.

This is different. If the patient requests a female nurse, or "shuts you down", that is not your fault and you are respecting the patients wishes. This is perfectly appropriate and what one would expect for patient comfort whenever possible.

The difference is the OP "chooses not to do female caths". Not he doesn't perform them when a patient requests a female but simply chooses not to do them. In my opinion it is not professional to "choose" not to do an aspect of your job for your own comfort. As someone else said, who likes cleaning poop? What if I chose not to start IVs? Or I chose not to give any narcotics because I had a family member who abused them, etc etc etc. It is not professional and not showing good work ethic to "choose" not to do part of your job. AGAIN, not referring to patient requests for a female at all. This is different.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

This thread again?

This is the thread that doesn't end.

It goes on and on my friend!

Some people started reading it,

Not knowing what it was,

and they'll continue posting it

forever just because....

Gotta love how it was brought up by a member's first and so far only post.

[Coldsvt]

So you'd be fine with a man doing that with your 18yr old daughter? Maybe you are fine with it, but is your daughter?

Im a Male Nurse with two daughters....i dont give a damn who does what in the medical setting as long as it necessary and gets done right

Its really not that big of a deal...You are a professional...act like it

[flyersfan88]

Someone please close this thread. End the madness. Smother it with a pillow.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Closed for review