Male OR Nurse

[ib4au]

Please forgive my ignorance but are there any reasons why males would be less likely to be hired in the OR? I was thinking that maybe certain issues like having to prep a female patient, female catheters, or something similar that a male would also need to have a female nurse present also. Does this pose any problems? I would think it would be inconvenient to have to tie up two RNs in one room where it would just take one(female). I really hope I'm just thinking deeper into this issue than I should but I want to get into OR as soon as I graduate, and I'm just trying to think of anything that might pose a potential problem/roadblock in the future. Thanks!

[ewattsjt]

What I was referring to was not the patient’s request (which should be honored if possible) but rather if it could not be granted (which has happened)—then it is politics that some should be granted this request but others may not be granted the same request like male patient at my facility. Remembering that we are to offer the same reasonable standard of care makes me believe that this type of scenario is politics. Why else would they offer it to someone and not provide the same standard to another?

Sorry about the hijack. As you can see, ib4au, there is controversy on the issue but nothing that would affect you being a male.

[jwk]

I don't think I'd call it politics... some women simply don't want men looking at their private parts. Agree with it or not, it's their choice and we need to respect it.

Would you agree men deserve that same respect?

[hotdog19d]

I don't think I'd call it politics... some women simply don't want men looking at their private parts. Agree with it or not, it's their choice and we need to respect it.

I'm sorry but I have to respectfully disagree with you. Having all females in the room hasn't always even been an option and shouldn't be now. Especially since odds are the surgeon won't be a female. I respect all of my patients wishes that are reasonable and within my power to carry out for them. This isn't one of them.

Edit: The more I think about it, I would at the very least try to see if a female was available, even though I don't agree with it.

[ib4au]

Just wanted to say thanks for eveyone's replies. Obviuosly I was making this more of an issue than it really is, but I just wanted to make sure it wasn't going to be an obstacle. Thanks again for all your input. Hopefully before long I'll be asking more questions about the OR once I get in and out of school. :)

[brewerpaul]

Would you agree men deserve that same respect?

Absolutely, if it's at all possible. Since there are fewer male nurses, the hospital may not have enough staff to accomodate this request.

[mcmike55]

In over 25 years in a small rural hospital, I've run into very few problems.

Once in a while, there has been requests for all females in the room, we've got only male Anes. Docs, and almost all the surgical docs are males, but I guess that does not count!!!

Anyway, as far as foley's, etc, most patients are more concerned they are asleep before insertion, than what sex nurse is putting it in!

I've taken care of a few male patients that were very happy that it was a male nurse taking care of him, during "guy surgery". Guess some people forget we exist.

When it's an all male call crew, I've, asked the female on call PACU nurse come in on emergency female pt cases, just to eliminate any issues on either side of the table, but never have heard of any problems. Some may say that's paranoia, but to me, that can protect everyone.

As a male nurse, I feel that I can offer my patient's the support they need, no matter which sex the the pt is. But, I respect their needs though if they feel more comfortable with a female nurse. Surgery is stressful enough! Depends on the pt. What ever it takes, I guess.

Hope that helps,,,good luck!

Mike

[CIRQL8]

I am a male perioperative nurse. In 11 years, I have only had one (ONE) female patient refuse my care to my face. We got her a female nurse. And one other we knew in advance had issues due past abuse... No males were even assigned to that room.