Is there a need for more male nurses?

FROGGYLEGS, LPN · May 30, 2004

, I think the whole "we need more men" deal (I've heard it, too) is 90% physical strength and 10% patient modesty. Not too many of the nurses I know act like I'm going to bring them more credibility. Most just want to use me for my body, and not in a nice way. Which is cool with me, as long as they'll cover me for the shy little girl who needs a Foley.

Sounds like a good deal to me. :)

gypsyatheart · May 30, 2004

To me the posts on this thread beg a question: A chicken and the egg type....
Are more men now seeking to join the nursing field because of all the ground work that was laid by women?
Nurses are being treated w/ more respect, commanding better wages etc. I suppose I just want all the hard work and sweat of nurses (predominantly women) through recent history validated. They are the ones that got us where we are today.
The comment about men being wage earners is antiquated at best. I know many single and married mamas that qualify as head of household.
Finally, I am not in anyway detering men from a nursing career. I agree with a previous poster that stated the need for diversity in all fields. To me diversity = more creative solutions to problems and a richer work environment.
moving along - :)
Kate

Very good post, Kate. You put your finger on what I was thinking.....

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · May 30, 2004

To me the posts on this thread beg a question:... Are more men now seeking to join the nursing field because of all the ground work that was laid by women?...

Not to me.

That's completely different from what's been discussed and the original question posed: "Is there a need for more male nurses?"

ktwlpn, LPN · May 30, 2004

Sweetie Pie -- You wanna educate? You wanna be better accepted? Then you're gonna have to convince. To do so more effectively, get more diversity and balance into the message... and into the ranks. That'll enhance your credibility.
Remember, Cream Puff, approximately 50% of the pop is male. Have you ever pondered that guys could be a great help to ya in your quest?
I say let's use all available resources.

I agree that we need to use all available resources-nursing education needs to be more accessible to all socio-econimic and racial backrounds....However-I don't think simple testosterone is the missing ingredient...Sorry--we are going to have to agree to disagree---but I do believe you are using "diversity" as a cover for the typical "kill or conquer" male mentality.If you as a man are drawn to nursing for the "cool traumas" in the ED that's allright-it's also ok for the occassional renegade to explore maternity..But don't try to fool us all into believing it's for any reason other then you think that "the little women need a man to show us how to do it right"....I don't want to sound too Gloria Steinem-ish here but -cupcake-I ain't buying it....and it looks like others agree with me.... smooches......

nurseunderwater · May 31, 2004

Not to me.
That's completely different from what's been discussed and the original question posed: "Is there a need for more male nurses?"

larry darling...

I posed this question precisely because of the points that you are bringing up....do we need your help? honey, we've done most of the work already :)

SmilingBluEyes · May 31, 2004

larry darling...
I posed this question precisely because of the points that you are bringing up....do we need your help? honey, we've done most of the work already :)

yes yes yes yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you get it, too! :balloons: :coollook:

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · May 31, 2004

I agree that we need to use all available resources... don't think simple testosterone is the missing ingredient... Sorry--we are going to have to agree to disagree---but I do believe you are using "diversity" as a cover for the typical "kill or conquer" male mentality... If you as a man are drawn to nursing for the "cool traumas" in the ED that's allright-it's also ok for the occassional renegade to explore maternity..But don't try to fool us all into believing it's for any reason other then you think that "the little women need a man to show us how to do it right"....I don't want to sound too Gloria Steinem-ish here but -cupcake-I ain't buying it....and it looks like others agree with me.... smooches......

Your lip service to using all resources doesn't persuade me for a New York minute, Honey Bunch.

Internal inconsistencies in your position gives that away. In one phrase you mention the importance of diversity, and in the next you put down the largest minority in nursing. Sorry, but convincing that's not.

Once again, who's said anything about testosterone alone? Or the "kill or conquer mentality"? Dream on, but do let us know from where you're pulling out these fantasies. Don't relate a bit to what we're discussing.

And what's with the "cool ED dramas" "or exploring maternity" examples? What does that have to do with the price of tea at AllNurses? (Oh, and thanks much for the blessing you're giving all the boys who wish to pursue those opportunities. Gee, where would we be without your approval?)

Ok, enter the next apparent nonsequitur: "(T)he little women need a man to show us how to do it right." P--L--E--A--S--E. There's not an inkling of that in the entire thread.

And, My Lovely, kindly forgive me for pointing out that your conclusionary sentence certainly sounds a tad defensive.

Happy to agree with you to disagree. However, what you're talking and what you're really thinking (based on the thought process you're evidencing) simply don't jive.

If we really, really, really wanna improve things, we've gotta truly, truly, truly employ everyone that can assist. And we've gotta strive to remain open to new approaches. One descriptor of mental illness is to continue doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome.

We should be joyfully embracing welcoming anyone that cares enough to put a shoulder to the wheel and help the larger cause.

Good night, Sweetheart! Oh, and sweet dreams. :)

Dixiedi · May 31, 2004

As a new LPN graduate I constantly here "Congratulations, we need more male nurses." & "As a man most employers will hire you on the spot!"..... But it has been my clinical experience that there was no one specific thing that could have been done better by a man than a woman. In fact I have been refused three times during my maternity rotation and was finally allowed to assess a woman who was post c-section, that happened to be a nursing instructor. (which was a better experience than the other students got but thats beside the point. Anyways, where is this big major need for more men in nursing? any ideas??

After reading many of the posts that sound like they are trying so hard to avoid the actual question it's almost funny.

Why would anyone be afraid to say YES! We DO need more male nurses. Not because a guy can get stuck with the heavy or combative pts but rather becasue man offer a different perpective on many subjects, nursing related and just in general.

reddgott · May 31, 2004

Sorry y'all I gave up on this post around #7 on Friday and worked back to back double shifts this weekend. Now it's Sunday night around 11:45pm, and look at the monster I've created. (by the way I did my first succesful straight cath today! it was like striking gold to see the urine coming out! :balloons: ) You guys probly remember. Anyways..... Aside from the symantics, I see some very interesting replies! -Credibility- yes it's sad but true, nursing is no longer a throw away career leftover for unwed "Cratchets". sorry I felt like a cheap shot :rotfl: With todays ecconomy more men are in the job hunt, and view nursing as a stable career with management potential. I would bet more than half of you know of a male nurse in a management position, or did at a previous job.

Please however dont tell me how I should or should not feel about the answers i read.... I can get defensive if I want to :nono:

SmilingBluEyes · May 31, 2004

After reading many of the posts that sound like they are trying so hard to avoid the actual question it's almost funny.
Why would anyone be afraid to say YES! We DO need more male nurses. Not because a guy can get stuck with the heavy or combative pts but rather becasue man offer a different perpective on many subjects, nursing related and just in general.

no fear here, i just dont' get why we have to qualify anyone on characteristics they can do NOTHING about (gender, race, etc). the FACT is, we need more nurses, QUALIFED, MOTIVATED, INTELLIGENT ones. Male? Idon't care. Give me a good nurse to work by my side and at my bedside when I am a patient. Why is that so hard to get?

teeituptom, BSN, RN · May 31, 2004

Actually, they aren't all younger, and they aren't all nicer. Some of the young ones are nice and some are kinda mean. Same with the older. But I do like some of the old, mean ones, too. And, yeah, they pretty much are all prettier.
Dropped my clipboard once, and a pretty 23-yr-old RN immediately picked it up for me. I felt so OLD! But it was kind of nice, not having to bend over.

Hadnt thought about it but maybe I should drop my clipboard more

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Meant in good humour only.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · May 31, 2004

Definitions of credibility on the Web:

the quality of being believable or trustworthy

http://www.cogsci.princeton.edu/cgi-bin/webwn

"Nursing is most trusted profession"

PRINCETON, N.J., Dec. 1 (UPI)http://www.washtimes.com/upi-breaking/20031201-100859-3777r.htm

Case closed.