Is it sexist....

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So, we all know that Nursing is a female dominated field, but male nurses are in high demand. Likewise, physically speaking, men are typically stronger than their female counterparts. Would any of you, as male nurses, be offended if a female nurse or a supervisor asked you do the majority of the "heavy lifting" in the job, even though there are some female nurses who could *probably* perform the tasks as well?

I know women that are stronger than me too. I was speaking in generalities to make a point. But I like your deal I'd make that all day long.

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What's also not cool is when they walk by three or four other people standing around to ask a guy while he's in the middle of doing something.

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What's also not cool is when they walk by three or four other people standing around to ask a guy while he's in the middle of doing something.

Yeah, I'd be real quick to point out I was in the middle of something too.

I'm not an inviting person.

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As a militant feminist and huge fan of Camile Paglia.. I would REFUSE such a request... equal pay for equal work.

NOW.. you want to PAY me some more.. OK.. Now we're talkin'.

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Show of hands for those that know who Camille Paglia is...

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Show of hands for those that know who Camille Paglia is...

Dude.. if you DO... I'm impressed beyond words... if you Googled her....shame on you. You corrected my mistyping of her first name... I think you might be for real.

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I also know Susan B. Anthony, lol.

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Specializes in Med Surg.

When I was much younger and REALLY dumb I made the mistake of letting some of the women I worked with see me pick up and carry some items that wighed a little over two hundred pounds. All right, it wasn't a mistake, I was showing off. Anyway, after that I was more of a human forklift than a coworker. It also didn't get me anywhere with the ladies.

So, I really don't like it when one of the gals makes a point of hunting me down to move or transfer a heavy patient. What do they think Hoyers are for anyway?

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Specializes in Oncology, ID, Hepatology, Occy Health.
Instead of whining about sexism, I believe in the team concept of "to each according to their own abilities"

I agree with that concept, for example being an Englishman in a francophone environment, I'll be asked to translate when a British or American tourist without a word of French troops up, and I don't mind that - it's stupid not to help given that I speak English and many of my colleagues don't. However the problem with the lifting issue is people assuming you're strong just because you're a man - and that is sexist. I'm a guy and I'm not that strong, furthermore my right hand is somewhat weakened following a cycling accident some years back. Many females could beat me in an arm wrestle. I'll willingly help a colleague who needs a hand lifting because they've asked me as a colleague who happens to be there. If I'm hunted down or specifically asked on the grounds that "you're a strong man, you've got the muscle" etc., I'll systematically refuse.

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Specializes in Med/Surg Tele/Oncology.

As a male nurse of average build, I get called all the time for lifting, moving, and pushing patients. And 90% of the foleys because "I think the patient would prefer it", which is mostly bull(*&t because they have not asked the pt...etc.

Also, We are usually called for "Code Violet"(our hospitals violent/crazy pt code) which is alright with me, because as the nurse on the team, I am in charge of meds/patient safety with security and aids doing most of the "physical control"

is it sexist, probably, illegal, no, unethical, no. annoying-at times. but it is all part of "teamwork" and the more people help out, the better the days can go!

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Since I powerlift I would imagine when I get to work I will be asked to do a lot of it just from my build. Doesn't bother me one bit. Sometimes I get asked to lift something for a lady in a grocery store. I am hassled by family to help them move. Just comes with being a guy.

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Specializes in LTC, Education, Management, QAPI.

Late post: I'm appalled at the phrase, "Fatty Lifting". Surprised it didnt get attacked more, if at all...

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