Male nurse in the NICU?

Nurses General Nursing

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I'm a new grad. and am trying to decide where I'd be happiest. I'm looking at either Surg./Trauma ICU or NICU. I did a clinical rotation at our NICU and loved it. I did a clinical as well as my practicum rotation in the Surg./Trauma ICU and loved the work and some of the coworkers. I've thought about interviewing for NICU but I'm worried about how the women will see me as a male working with them? I think I'd enjoy either job, but I've learned from past work experiences that the people you work with can make or break your job experience. So what do all you women think and are there any men working in the NICU and what are your experiences?

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Specializes in telemetry, med-surg and hospice.

I think you should go where your heart desires. Who cares what other people think. The fact that you are a nurse tells people that you are caring and compassionate. Good luck with all that you do.

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Specializes in NICU, Telephone Triage.
I'm a new grad. and am trying to decide where I'd be happiest. I'm looking at either Surg./Trauma ICU or NICU. I did a clinical rotation at our NICU and loved it. I did a clinical as well as my practicum rotation in the Surg./Trauma ICU and loved the work and some of the coworkers. I've thought about interviewing for NICU but I'm worried about how the women will see me as a male working with them? I think I'd enjoy either job, but I've learned from past work experiences that the people you work with can make or break your job experience. So what do all you women think and are there any men working in the NICU and what are your experiences?

I have experienced 2 very different attitudes towards male nurses in 2 NICUs. One NICU was not very nice toward the men at all, the second one has been much better. There are more men in the NICU I work in now, and they are treated well. I have been working in a PICU lately that has a lot of male nurses, they appear to like their job.

Male nurses bring a different atmosphere to nursing, which is a good thing...we need more men in nursing.

So, don't be afraid at all to do what you want. Don't let co-workers make or break you....it's just a fact some women can be mean and too hormonal and competetive...and mother-hen like...and guess what? I'm a woman and I admit this!

I say go for it!;)

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Specializes in CCU,ICU,ER retired.

Why not??? I have seen my hubby with our g-babies I would trust him, totally! All it takes is a gentle touch that you have already being a nurse and the education which you have. I think males in nursing has a much better occupation than it used too. They have been in ICU"s and ER"s for years now and the public is embracing a lot more than say 8-10 yrs ago.

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Specializes in Peds Cardiology,Peds Neuro,Pedi ER,PICU, IV Jedi.

Hi teenycar,

You should talk to EricEnfermero, one of the mods on the Texas Forum as well as the Distance Learning Forum. He's a NICU nurse, and I'm sure he would have some insight for you!

Best of luck.

vamedic4

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i am a student and recently did a placement in NICU. They had a male new grad working there who said he was really enjoying it. All the nurses on the unit thought it was great and spoke very highly of having a guy on the staff. They said it bought a different dynamic to the ward.

My preceptor's husband who is a nurse also worked in NICU for 5 or so years. She said he really enjoyed the experience and had very few issues (just the odd joking comment from parents).

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HI

teenycar

Its funny. I've work with more men in NNICU than in any other areas that I've worked. Any way you could find out if their are any men in the unit you want to work in? Maybe talk with them about their experiences? Then Go fo it. Co workers can make or break your job experience but thats with any job not just nursing.

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We currently have 2 male nurses in our NICU, and I have worked with 7 different men in the 2 units I've worked in. These guys are great! The parents like them, and all of the female nurses enjoy having them around. Work where you really want!

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Go for it! I've only worked on one unit, but my experience has been that if it isn't a big deal to you, it won't be that big of a deal to anyone else.

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I say if you like NICU then you should be there. I think that male nurses are sometimes easier to work with than female. You guys are not catty.:lol2: You might be able to help some fathers also. They might be more comfortable working with a man, and you could help role model for them on caring for their child. Good luck with your decision!

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Specializes in NICU.

We have both guys and gals working on our NICU and it's a non-issue :). If NICU is where you want to be, go for it!

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

I've worked in NICU for almost 3 years now, and been the only male RN, and I would say that I was immediately accepted as one of the team. I did have to adjust the way I interact with some people, but having worked with primarily women my whole life, I was used to it. I was approached to do permanent charge and precepting quite early, whether that was due to my gender, I have no idea. You CAN make a career in NICU, choose your job based on what YOU want to do, rather than what you think might be easier. Many people I work with have been doing this for decades, and love it, while others have left for adult units. You simply need to find your niche in nursing, mine is NICU, and it took a few months in the ED to show me. Best of luck!

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