Male nurses

Nurses General Nursing

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I was just wondering, since male nurses are becoming more visible in the work force, how do they seem to working out as far as being co workers. Also what do see for the future men in nursing? What improvements can we as nurses make to help our fellow nurses? I really want to be a good nurse, but lately some fellow male rns are trying to discourge me telling me being an older male rn w kids can really test you. I really dont understand some of the reasons why (seem sort of petty to me). Any input would be appreciated. thanks-:confused:

Now why didn't my post get some of these responses! :D

Welcome to nursing Bradley, I hope you have a long enjoyable career. I love working with the guys as most of the time they are good value, it is handy when you have a male to be shaved or showered but then I usually bargain and say you do my male shower and I do your female shower. But most of the time the guys are one of the girls, keep in mind that men make the minority of the nursing workforce but hold the majority of the top positions. T the end of the day we are all doing the same job and I find the boys offer a different perspective, thay are noy usually PMT but then again I am not so sure (sorry guys)!

Bradley,

What is a "male nurse"? I am a NURSE. :devil: I was born with XY chromosomes. But I am a NURSE. If I was born with XX, would I be a "female nurse"? I've yet to hear or see that term. I choose nursing as a later career. Dropped out of the productive world (production manager in a motorhome factory) for 5 years to get my BSN. I've never regretted the switch. I make less money now (19 years later) than I did then, but I'm happier than I was then.

Hang in there! Be the BEST NURSE you can be. WORK, when you work! Play hard! Enjoy life!

I am a male nurse. Others seem to like working with me. In my ER, there are many male nurses, and the female nurses seem to get a kick about having them around. We have one male charge nurse and the rest are females. This can get a little sticky, but we manage. And many nurses say they prefer male nurses because they seem to be "nicer"- I doubt this is true, but that is what patient s seem to tell me frequently. Welcome to our profession Bradley!

Specializes in ER.

Men add a different perspective and that is always good- but what is it with guys and inserting the largest bore IV they can find even for antibiotics? Sheesh.

I've worked with many nurses over the years both male and female that should have picked another profession. I don't care what your gender is as long as you do the job you're there to do and do it well!

I have felt the "Sting" of discrimination for my entire carreer, I have also felt the caring and concern of most of my professional family, the sting is reduced by time and understanding, and empathy. The caring and concern shown by my peers gives me that warm and snuggly feeling that I could not survive without. I believe I have learned to be an R.N. first, and gender specific second.

I have only had positive experiences with male nurses. They are very capable and I think very compassionate people.

Specializes in Community Health Nurse.

I think nurses who "happen to be male" are wonderful nurses to work with! I also appreciate having them as Nurse Managers. Don't have to deal with the moody monthly menses and pms from the female nurse managers and staff. ;) Men don't complain like women do. Plain and simple. Working with them makes the day run smoother and more organized. :)

In my area there are no men to shave. Besides I have never been one who believed in assigning patients on basis of gender alone. I can care for a female patient just as well as a female can. And my patients really like me and often request me. So just dont get caught up in the old gender thing we are all professionals.thanks,mark

Specializes in ER, Burns and Plastics.

In my first clinical rotation, I was in a nursing home with predominantly female residents and staff. My instructor assigned me to a female resident who refused my care. I was reassigned to another female resident who also refused my care. My instructor was, she told me, reluctant to send me to the wing with all if the male residents because she didn't want me to be put into an orderly role. The male patient I was eventually assigned to was great, and I ended up learning more from one male orderly than from most of the other female staff (RN's and RNA's). However, to date in my career (this is the winter following that experience), I have not been in a situation of being able to provide care to any female patients. I work at the local veteran's hospital and they do not allow me to work unsupervised with any of their 3 female residents.

Thus far, I have had nothing but satisfactory reviews from all of my co-workers male and female. I have not had an opportunity to work with other male nurses in any clinical settings, though.

Just curious, but why is a man who is a nurse always refered to as a "male nurse"? It is my understanding that my diploma once I graduate and my certification will identify me as a nurse, irrespective of my gender. Is "male nurse" a necessary or appropriate identifier?:)

Specializes in Hospice and Palliative Care, Family NP.

My older brother is a nurse, he has been an inspiration to me and kept my spirits up during nursing school. He's an awesome nurse too!

I have worked with several male nurses and I love it. They can help with the most difficult male patients, they help lift, every single one of them has a sense of humor that keeps things upbeat. I just love it!

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