Male RN's question

[Jamin33p]

Good evening everyone,

Im going to be getting out of the military soon and heavily considering nursing as a profession. I'm a male and am just curious what pros and/or cons there is to being male in this career field?? If any at all. Even if it's just little things you've noticed at work I'd love to get your input.

-Male and female perspective would be awesome!

Thank you!

[Farawyn]

No pros or cons male-wise.

We're all just Kens in a politically correct world anyway.

C'mon now.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

No pros or cons male-wise.

We're all just Kens in a politically correct world anyway.

not me, I think of myself as more 11" GI Joe

[Farawyn]

not me, I think of myself as more 11" GI Joe

*sits next to you*

Hey.

[OldDude]

not me, I think of myself as more 11" GI Joe

*sits next to you*

Hey.

So I'm reminded...size matters

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

not me, I think of myself as more 11" GI Joe

Yes, more like GI Joes in a Barbie world

[MikeyT-c-IV]

When I was a department manager there were times I had to have another person present in the room when I needed to counsel a female staff member. Sometimes that would be HR, my boss, or another manager. I had a bad experience with a female CNA that accused me of yelling at her when I was counseling her on her behavior. She was obviously insulted and was retaliating. I'm not sure this has anything to do with the sex of the manager, but it's something that I and my director had to consider. Otherwise, I don't see a "pro or con" as being a male in nursing.

[OldDude]

When I was a department manager there were times I had to have another person present in the room when I needed to counsel a female staff member. Sometimes that would be HR, my boss, or another manager. I had a bad experience with a female CNA that accused me of yelling at her when I was counseling her on her behavior. She was obviously insulted and was retaliating. I'm not sure this has anything to do with the sex of the manager, but it's something that I and my director had to consider. Otherwise, I don't see a "pro or con" as being a male in nursing.

This is an excellent point...today, once the allegation (and the possibilities are endless) is made you are guilty until you prove yourself innocent and in many cases irreparable damage is done to your personal and professional reputation even after you've proven yourself innocent.

[Dienekes]

As a former Navy (Fleet Marine Force / Field ) Hospital Corpsman, The isuue I will warn you about is not gender based, but culture based. I got a lot more respect from my commrades and chain of command in the military than I have recieved as an RN in civilian life. As an RN in the military, you are Nurse Corps Officer. The key word is officer, and you get the respect and authority that the title carries with it. Respect is baked into the military system (Yes, I know, so is endentured servitude, a lack of personal freedom, and life in a rigid caste system). Many of the MDs and hospital administrators I have dealt with treat RNs as nothing more than skilled technical labor, and not like professionals. And, You will never get the kind of professional loyalty from your fellow RNs that you got as a medic/corpsman (But, that's just civilian life in general. I didn't see it in the Fire Department I worked in either.) Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I became an RN, but I think you shoulfd get yourself ready for this change. As far as being a man as an RN, I don't put up with anything that my female peers deal with. Good luck. Thank you for your service.

[Dienekes]

My Bad. I meant to write that I don't deal with anything that my female peers don't have to. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

[barcode120x, RN, NP]

Pro's? Being surrounded by numerous attractive coworkers if you are in a good spot lol. Been on good terms with most doctors. Not sure if it's just me, but male docs seem to have more respect for male nurses (in my unit/hospital at least) in person and on the phone compared to what my female coworkers have experienced.

Cons? Haven't really experienced any so far...

[Reldun]

Prior military here. (Army, non health care related). Been a nurse for a little over 2 years, just accepted an ACM position on my unit about a month ago. For the most part my unit is one big crazy family, I get along well with my staff. Occasionally there is a female patient who doesn't want a male nurse... /shrug no big. Unless it is something that needs to be addressed immediately (patient safety) I always do any disciplinary action with another manager in the office. Keeps every body honest and the conversation doesn't come back to bite you in the rear on down the road.

[Ecs268]

You will eventually become neutered while in the trenches, then you will be fine. You will perform near or possibly better than the woman. I could be wrong though.