Male CNA

[Boss50]

I considering a career change and was wondering how the field is for males. I truely love helping people but don't know how or if males are accepted in this profession. Could someone please comment. Thnaks.

[yousoldtheworld]

Yes, males are accepted! I work with several males - you might actually find that some residents/patients prefer you, because it's such a female dominated field! I imagine that the extra upper body strength that most men have naturally would be a bonus, as well. :)

Really, the most important thing in a CNA is the desire to work hard and help people. Gender isn't important.

[jb2u, ASN, RN]

As a male, I've always felt accepted and at times even valued!! Yes, you will run into more patients than your female coworkers that will request a female cna, but overall it is a wonderful experience. You may also feel like the floor mule as you are pulled from one end of the floor to the other in order to help lift, pull, transfer patients, and called for "difficult" patients. However, most of the staff will appreciate this extra help, at least in MY experience. Good luck to you. Oh yea, and most patients will assume that you are the doctor! I don't know how many times I have to correct that one a shift!!!

Sincerely,

Jay

[aerorunner80, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN]

What Jay said about being the "mule" is so true. I can't count how many times I ask for assistance from a male to help me transfer a big pt that I can't do by myself or that me and anthother female couldn't do. I really appreciate that males work in this field.

[kakalika]

Males are definitely appreciated as CNA's. You will do fine.

[casi, ASN, RN]

Males are always a great asset. Watch out though, you might be called in for all the lifting and even though you might be able to do more of it you can still get hurt.

My favorite use for males is when I have a plesantly confused old man who decides he's at the spry age of 25, I'm his wife, and he wants a bit of action...

[hlfpnt, BSN, RN]

I agree the male muscles are nice to have around, but I also find the males are very good at treating the pts with dignity & compassion. To me, that's one of the most important things.