Male CNA

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Any of you other male CNAs have problems with residents not wanting you to shower, wash, or change their briefs? I have had this problem a lot where I recently started working. I had managed to convince a couple of ladies to allow me to change them, but about 4 or so of them just didn't want me to do that to them. I doesn't hurt my feelings because I know they were brought up that way, but I like to be able to actually help residents out when I see their call lights on. I usually am the first CNA in the room, but only to be rejected. Any tips on how to deal with this?

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I'm a float SNA and it happens to me on the physical rehab floor when I get sent there because the old ladies with hip and knee replacements dont want a male cna. We usually just swap patients with other cna's, of course I always get stuck with the heavy male patient that they don't want to deal with while the patient I'm giving to them is really easy. It sucks, but I''m not going to make a 90 year old lady do something she doesn't want to do.

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we all have our burdens to bear. :) if it makes you feel any better, female cnas and students (and nurses) get all sorts of grief from male patients. which would you prefer, having a female refuse your care or being sexually harrassed?

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This happened to me when I started, or started at a new facility. But if I made a point to meet my residents and learn about them, make them feel comfortable it usually helped for them to accept the care I would provide.

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I have to agree with you. It is almost heart wrenching when you have to stand there and the residents dont want your help. I hate standing there while another CNA, usually complaining that they are to busy, or better yet talking under there breath telling me I shouldnt even work there if I cant help the resident. I really enjoy being a CNA and hopefully one day will make a great nurse. The only advice I can give you is keep motivated and the other CNA's will come running after you when it is time to help lift someone..lol

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

Yep, it happens. Even now as a educated professional RN, there are still times where I know women are trying not to offend me, but I will ask straight out if I think there is an issue. Most patients don't have any problems with me helping them. Just take it one patient at a time.

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we all have our burdens to bear. :) if it makes you feel any better, female cnas and students (and nurses) get all sorts of grief from male patients. which would you prefer, having a female refuse your care or being sexually harrassed?
i've been hit on by a lot of female patients. i've been hit on more times in the last year as a cna than i ever have in my entire life. something about being in a hospital just makes people think they have the green light to sexually harass you. it doesn't bother me though, it's a nice change of pace from the real world.
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Brian,

You should try not to ever "convince" your patients that you should change them. Think about how that could be preceived? I always let my female patients know that I am more than willing to do X,Y or Z for them, but also let them know that if they are more comfortable with a female...I will get one for them...but that it might take a bit longer as I have to make adjustements etc.

You don't ever want to be called on the carpet and be told that someone overheard you convincing a female patient etc...

Just my two cents..

Oh, I am a male ABSN nursing student graduating in May this year fyi and worked as a CNA before school.

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I convinced them by telling them the truth. I told them that it would be a little while before the female CNA's could make to her, and she allowed me to dry her. I don't think that would make someone perceive me as a bad CNA.

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I convinced them by telling them the truth. I told them that it would be a little while before the female CNA's could make to her, and she allowed me to dry her. I don't think that would make someone perceive me as a bad CNA.

Ah, okay. That is good to hear that your convincing was just along the lines of what I have done (telling the truth). That would not make someone perceive you as a bad CNA. That is all we can do as males...ask them if they are comfortable and offer them an out. If they take it fine...if they don't then you are covered. Although I always make sure there is a female present if I am performing any care that exposes the client.

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I had this the other day in the aged care facility where I had my placement. I didn't care.

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Two comments in this thread that I love;

1. Getting the uneven trade for the old lady who doesn't want a male aide.

2. Getting sexually harassed by patients, as a male aide. I have actually had my unit grabbed. I rolled with the punches like a boss. (:bluecry1:

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