Male pediatric nurses?

[FutureNurseKyle]

I'm a 22 year old pre-nursing student, I begin my pre-reqs for the LVN program the the LVN->RN Transition program in 3 weeks. I've been researching the different specialties of nursing, and the only one that has stuck to me is pediatrics. I have never been more sure of anything in my heart before, and this is definitely what I want to pursue. I'm just wondering if males are common in the pediatric nursing field? I don't want to be viewed as some sort of sick pedophile, which I could see in peoples eyes when I told them I want to be a nurse that takes care of sick kids. It's disheartening. :/

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

All my male lecturers are paediatric nurses funnily enough.

There is a big cut before he they start singing that song so they may have cut all that stuff out. Some places don't require labeling of the syringe if you are going straight to the bedside although I agree that it is best practice to do so.

It's a Joint Commission requirement.

[jrt4]

It's a Joint Commission requirement.

Not all hospitals are accredited by the joint commission.

[jrt4]

I have been a pediatric nurse my entire career. Yeah you will get mistaken for the doctor a lot and little kids will call you "the doctor" but I have never been made to feel bad about my career choice. There are times when the older teenage girls get a little uncomfortable with certain procedures but usually there is a female nurse around that is willing to take over to make them more comfortable. Actually I have had male patients glad to see me walk through the door. Its great to have a diverse staff.

[RNinCLE, ADN, BSN]

I've worked with several male nurses in peds, and they've all been great. Most of them are in PICU, but some on the regular floors as well. We also have male PCNAs, and the kids adore them. They're certainly a minority in peds, but I think add a lot of value to the unit environment.

[wooh, BSN, RN]

It's a Joint Commission requirement.

Most commercials aren't JC accredited.

[ixchel]

Most commercials aren't JC accredited.

????

Could you imagine that?!

[NursKris]

Go for it!! I worked peds and PICU for 24 years and had a couple of male nurses i worked with. My 20 yr old son is presently in a BSN nursing program and is also interested in peds...like his mom LOL...but now i work in adult psych...not much different than working in peds...no one wants to take meds, no one wants to eat, undressing, etc LOL. Go for it and enjoy every minute of the kids!!

[SleeepyRN]

I've never once considered the idea of a male pediatric nurse as being odd or innapropriate in any way. There are many male pediatricians, so why not a malw nurse? Your desire for pediatrics is great, and I foresee no issues. You may need to bring a female into a patient's room at times, but guess what? I helped a male pediatric gastroenterologist one day in his office, and I had to go into the room when he did rectal exams. And that's ok. I renember a kid of about age 16 in the peds unit, and I could tell he was uncomfortable/shy with a female, so it works both ways. I was just very professional and with the kid's wishes kept the dad in the room, and it worked out just fine. If you ever have to do something that you suspect might make a parent or the child feel awkward (due to gender) always ask THEM first if they would like a female in the room. Just asking that can put parents at ease, that you are professional. I also think there is nothing wrong with a male wanting to be an L&D nurse.

[~PedsRN~, BSN, RN]

The boys are always a favorite in our hospital. :) And honestly.... there are some kiddos out there that really need to see some positive male role models. I am a huge supporter or our male peds nurses. And I swear, they always win all the awards!!!! LOL!!!

Good luck.

[mlowens]

I've been a NICU nurse for over three years. The other staff, babies, and parents have responded positively. Don't underestimate the value of a male showing a new dad how to care for his baby.

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

The kids love the guy nurses! They tend to joke a bit more and the boys love to have someone they can relate to. Even in NICU, the dads like the guys, they can talk to them and relate :)

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

Good day:

I appreciate the OP asking the question and each of you taking the time to answer. I'm still open for what area I may end up in as I'm still waiting for acceptance into clinicals. One of the areas I think I would like would be pediatrics, but was very put off when a fellow male in my sociology class (taken last fall) shared that any man wanting to work with children must be a pervert with none of the class (mainly women) objecting. I've worked with young children to teenagers at a local youth center for a few years; and thankfully, none of the children ever felt that way. It was good to read from all of you who responded that as a man, we don't have to feel out of place helping children.

Thank you.