Male Nurses in OB

[belin5]

With in the nursing profession, it has always been viewed as a woman dominated field. In 1970 2.7% of all nurses were men, as of 2011 9.6% of nurses were men according to (Healthcare Traveler Newsletter Staff March 05, 2013). Men work in all different aspects of nursing, the one area that I have not seen or heard of many men working is in OB. I have heard many women and pt's say that they feel male nurses are more compassionate then female nurses; with that being said why are there not many male OB nurses? Is it due to a staffing issue with having to have a female accompany the male nurse into the room all the time? Is it female OB nurses not wanting a male nurse working with them? Why is that if male nurses are considered more sensitive and caring nurses doesn't it stand to reason that there would be more men working in OB?

[adamRn79, BSN, RN]

I'm doing my obgyn clinicals for NP school and 40% of the patients won't allow me in the exam

[Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN]

I'm doing my obgyn clinicals for NP school and 40% of the patients won't allow me in the exam

Don't take it personally, Adam! Ten years ago, I wouldn't have let you in for the exam, either. But nowadays (again as a woman yet to conceive) I'd let you right in!

Are you considering L&D?

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

I've known one male L&D nurse. He had been in the field for over 15 years. He was a fantastic, caring, knowledgeable, and extremely professional human being. I was yet to get into L&D and I learned a lot from his stories and his experience.

Before going into L&D, I'd have been hesitant as well to have a male OB/GYN or L&D nurse. However, knowing the docs in my area now and how they practice on a firsthand basis, there are very few female OBs I'd willingly see.

[dinah77, ADN]

Sorry, but I'm not comfortable with male OB nurse. Nor am I with a male OBGYN. That's what it comes down to. FOr me it has more to do with empathy and shared experience. The end.

[walkingdeadhead]

I teach OB and do clinical rotations. The best student I have is a male. All the nurses and patients in clinical loved him. He is now precepting in an OB unit and doing great. The only push back he has received has been from a nurse on that floor. The patients have loved him.

[RNator]

Patients discriminating is one thing, but for us RN's to do it to each other is another. I have no problem accommodating a female patient request. But, another RN has no right to assume that a problem exists. This is one of a handful of concerns that has driven me from ER...double standards imposed by Fellow RN's. The problem may be exclusive to the ER I am leaving, I don't know. But I can confidently say that 99.9% of the time I do not see the same respect granted to male patients.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Sorry, but I'm not comfortable with male OB nurse. Nor am I with a male OBGYN. That's what it comes down to. FOr me it has more to do with empathy and shared experience. The end.

So would you only want a nurse or provider who has given birth?

[RNator]

Sorry, but I'm not comfortable with male OB nurse. Nor am I with a male OBGYN. That's what it comes down to. FOr me it has more to do with empathy and shared experience. The end.

A female coworker of mine regulates which female patients are "ok" for me to see based on her own perceptions. Old and unattractive-ok for me to cath, younger not so unattractive- I must be prevented from being the nurse during any intimate moments. This statement actually came out of her mouth " well I wouldn't want any male nurse for my intimate care." So this is imposed on anyone she deems worthy of her "not so necessary," or consistent for that matter, protection. I completely respect your decision, and am not assuming you conduct yourself in practice as this fellow nurse of mine does...but there are those who do, and it is destructive and discrimination...

[Ruas61, BSN, RN]

So where would a MTF transgender nurse stand on your scale of comfort? I mean if *nurse* Caitlyn Jenner was assigned to your care would you be equally as uncomfortable?

Why would the nurse need to advertise that fact? How does that benefit the patient?

[nolanurse88]

I would not feel comfortable with a male nurse or doctor, I'm already modest.

[evolvingrn, BSN, RN]

I would have no problem with s male ob nurse. I am from a very conservative background .... I only go to female Drs but after 4 children I know that the residents generally run the labor..., so I had a males hand up my hooha anyway. I have a super funny story with my last child and the resident on a dilation check....but my husband thought it was hilarious .

[Get2theChoppa]

So would you only want a nurse or provider who has given birth?

She is speaking from a patient perspective, and I thought we were to respect patient preferences, particularly in this area...?