Male CNA's

elkpark · Nov 2, 2007

I've been in nursing for >20 years, and there have been male CNAs everywhere I've ever worked. Some females really object strongly to having very personal care done by a male staff member, just as some males really want to have a male staff member provide their more personal care. In my experience, there's always been a way to accommodate everyone's needs and still share the workload fairly.

JaredCNA, CNA · Nov 2, 2007

I've been in nursing for >20 years, and there have been male CNAs everywhere I've ever worked. Some females really object strongly to having very personal care done by a male staff member, just as some males really want to have a male staff member provide their more personal care. In my experience, there's always been a way to accommodate everyone's needs and still share the workload fairly.

Thanks for the reply. I understand what you are saying and I definitely don't mind taking a task for a female caregiver if they have to do something for me...it's just that some nights the female aides and nurses seem to get really ticked when I ask them to help a lady to the bathroom, in the shower, etc. because she doesn't want me to.

So I've taken the extra step in saying that I'm just doing my job and I wouldn't mind helping them to the bathroom. I just don't know if that is a bit too much.

ktwlpn, LPN · Nov 2, 2007

More and more men are entering into the profession-the patients have to come to terms with it.After all-doctors were predominantly male for years and women did not hesitate to let them do PAP smears...I think you (all men in nursing) should just present yourselves as professionals and assume you will be accepted as such.I don't think you should ask for permission to care for a female-this makes you appear as though you expect to be refused and accept it.Just get in there,introduce yourself as any other cna would-if the patient voices an objection then trade for another.Unless they have both arms in traction they should be able to do their pericare,anyway

TiggerBelly · Nov 3, 2007

We have a couple of male attendants that will come and ask us what we need help with. Some male patients will only want help from the male attendant and since we only have 3 and they work the whole hospital, that wish can't always be granted (the male attendants are also pulled constantly to sit so then they are really unavailable.) Anywoo as far as trying to provide care to females goes, I agree with the other poster that said that if you go into a room expecting to be rejected then thats what you will end up with. Go in like any other CNA would and if they object then see if a female CNA can assist them.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 3, 2007

There are plenty of male CNAs in my neck of the woods.

JaredCNA, CNA · Nov 3, 2007

We have a couple of male attendants that will come and ask us what we need help with. Some male patients will only want help from the male attendant and since we only have 3 and they work the whole hospital, that wish can't always be granted (the male attendants are also pulled constantly to sit so then they are really unavailable.) Anywoo as far as trying to provide care to females goes, I agree with the other poster that said that if you go into a room expecting to be rejected then thats what you will end up with. Go in like any other CNA would and if they object then see if a female CNA can assist them.

Thanks. I always do go in the room just like any other aide would and begin to do my job, it's just that when I begin to get a patient dressed or do whatever some ask for a female, which I have no problem with.

But I used to have a female nurse, when I was the only aide on the floor, that would tell me to ask the pt again if she didn't mind me doing whatever the task was because I'm simply being a professional or something...which I didn't agree w/ because to me going back in there and asking does not seem too professional.

Professional would be to accomadate the pt's request and leave it at that, IMO.

ZoeK · Nov 4, 2007

I had a female patient tell me that a male CNA made her feel so comfortable when he helped her to the bathroom. She said she thought she would be uncomfortable as she thought of her son and husband and how they would not have been able to do what he did. I think if you be positive, respectful, and matter-of-fact about it you can likely get many people to accept you.

I have had male patients ask for a male to help them. I have also had male patients insist on total privacy.

Usually, when a patient requests a CNA of a specific gender, we try to accommodate them (and women usually request women more than men request men). Heh heh. Once, I had a man request help using the urinal. As I was occupied with something his male nurse came to help him. The patient quickly decided he would be fine on his own. I thought that was funny. :)

I don't think your coworkers should fuss at you. On the other hand, if you're acting mousy, the patients could be noticing this (subconsciously or not) and asking for someone else to help them. Just act confident about it and most will just accept that you are the one to help them.

Good luck. I remember when I was did some of my first CNA work early on. I was nervous, too. I am still not that experienced, so I guess that tells you that it won't be long before you and your patients are way more comfortable doing all this personal stuff.

I am a female CNA.

JaredCNA, CNA · Nov 5, 2007

Oh, I was nervous too at first. And I could see why a female would request someone of another gender when a 6'4" guy seems mousy. Heh.

But now I'm confident. "Mousy" people don't belong in healthcare. :-D

tigruss_angel · Nov 10, 2007

I personally have only worked with two male CNA's , and they were very good at their jobs and very comfortable in doing it. I justwanted to say you should continue to enter the patients rooms as you are...professional and confident and not second guess as to if your gender is the wrong one for this patient. Most patients are thankful enough there are CNA's working to care for /assist them today with things as they are.

Dream2BANurse · Nov 12, 2007

I worked at a LTC facility a few years back as a CNA and ther were 2 male CNA's there at the time. They were very good at their job and had been there for a long time. I did notice though that they never assisted female residents for baths and stuff like that, they were always assigned male residents. I just think the place I worked at had it set up that way though.

Satori77, ADN · Nov 13, 2007

Even though you are a professional and only trying to do your job, you have to understand that some female patients will not feel comfortable with you performing pericare (or other types of help). You have to respect that. I know I wouldn't want a man to do that. But then again, I have never felt comfortable with male doctors either, especially with male OBGYN's. Everyone has different comfort levels. But there are many people that will prefer a man, or even request one. So everyone has there place and is needed. So don't feel bad. Just explain what you are doing (never touch a patient without letting them know you are, and why) and they will let you know if they are uncomfortable.