In praise of men in nursing

[adrienurse]

I think we're all due for this thread.

At the risk of encouraging a great deal of sexist comments, I would like to propose that we all share how special male nurses are. I would like to appologize in advance to anyone who resents being singled out.

To anyone who knows me, it's no secret that I am a fan of the male form. But I also have to say that I am a great fan of my male co-workers abilities. I have always felt that when you are working with a nurse, who happends to be a man -- you are dealing with someone who is truly serious about their craft. I think that it must have something to do with the fact that males face so much more opposition in the workforce and from society for their choice of nursing. Female nurses who probably aren't so well suited (temperament or ability-wise) for nursing are a dime a dozen. It is my theory, that because Men in nursing school have to face so much flak and so many more challenges, the ones who make it have to truly want to do what their doing. This has got to make a superior nurse.

I invite you to share your views.:)

[micro, RN]

matt's mom.....

step up anytime.......

sorta brings up the nurses should be for each other, regardless of and.......

but you state it better than i, so i humbly close.....

hot as heck here.....

fan on.....

still hot.......

need a good thunderstorm.........

[JMP]

I have nothing but praise for the male RN's I work with. One in particular is the most compassionate, helpful, understanding, warm hearted, intelligent nurse I have had the pleasure to call my co-worker.

Many of the males in our unit are great nurses who do not feed on gossip at the expense of others. I admire them. I admire some of the female RN's too.........but the males are still in the minority in most places and they make such wonderful nurses!

I know anytime you lump people together for generalization it is not good but in this case IT IS TRUE!

Male RN's rock baby! They get my vote.

Signed, J. (a female RN with many great male RN co-workers)

[slinkeecat]

HMMMMMMMMMMMMM.....

Rustyhammer,

wanna see ya dance!!!!! I am gonna sit in the corner of the room and let you have at it!!!! LOL

Katy

[nfauber]

My heart sings a new song when I read and consider the praises many of my sister RN colleagues have offered in this comment thread.

Having been an RN for over 12 years, I have experienced many obstacles that may or may not have been present in the careers of my female counterparts.

This includes a final semester clinical instructor who attempted to fail ALL of her male nursing students (even two who otherwise had straight A's); receiving large amounts of verbal abuse from an older RN, who was very bitter toward any of the opposite sex, and leaving her physically abusive husband and son.

I learned early on how to include other staff RN's when asked to 'help move my heavy patient', and how great Aleve works after that long 12 hour shift on the ortho floor.

I also learned to consider all of my female nursing colleagues as sisters, which helps to keep the 'maleness' to a minimum, brings a great comeraderie to the work place, and helps when that female patient absolutely refuses to allow me to catheterize her, even with the husband present.

My friends, the few, but growing numbers of men RN's want to make our hard working profession better, so continue encouraging those male RN colleagues, because we really enjoy working with you, do not mind getting in the MD's face (respectfully of course) about something that is really bugging you. We are all in this together, lets work together and make the Nursing profession a better career for all.

God Bless.

Duane

[tomrnff]

Thanks for the kind words. They could not have come at a better time. I am working on my 13th year of ER nursing. I recently changed from adult to pediatric ER. I have found myself questioning my ability to continue much longer.

After reading the supportive posts in this latest issue, it seems as if I have a 'second wind'.

I agree with Duane that we are all in this together. Thanks again. I would love to work with any of you any day. Make that nights---my steady shift.

Tom

[sandstormsdust]

it seems that the male nurses had to encounter the same prejudices in the Nursing field that the female doctors encountered in the MD field

~errr.... just another thought

[illya]

i remember being upset by the term "male nurse" now i don t hear it anymore. its like 2nd nature. it s like a nurse, male ok and i like it

[cmggriff]

mattsmom81,

In 18 years of nursing I too have worked with some *****y, whiny men who loved to work the rumor mill. In fact I work with a guy like now (but not for much longer). It's funny how some behaviors seem to be more acceptable in one sex than in the other. And Mario, some of the finest care givers I have ever had the privilege to work with have been aides (before CNA). Gary

[nursemt850]

I think male nurses have to deal with a lot more stuff during nursing school. To all the male nurses, just remember your OB rotations(cant do an assessment on a female because her husband wont let you,etc..)

[mark_LD_RN]

never had that problem in nursing school or ever since. the husbands like me and my patients love Me,:)

[a-rose]

There is seldom male nurse in China. I don't meet any male nurse s. And is there more troubles to work with the male nurse or not? I am curious about that.

[adrienurse, LPN]

A-rose, as with women co-workers, there are ones I absolutely love and those that I never want to see again. I do have a special place in my heart for male nurses, though.