Male student nurse interviewing for Postpartum..

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Specializes in Adult Psychiatry, Correctional/Forensic Psychiatry.

Hello nurses!

I am a nursing student that has always been into maternity and newborn health. Once I finally started my OB course, I fell in love even more. I was offered a full time position this summer in the NICU as a student nurse intern and I was very excited. I have an interview in the Mother/Baby unit next week and that is a unit I also am very interested in. For people working in Mother-Baby/Postpartum, have you ever worked with any males in that unit, have you ever seen a male work in Postpartum and how were they with the patients? Nothing will change what I am interested in because I'll always be interested in maternity and newborn. Thank you guys!

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We have several male OBs, but no male nurses. We had hired one, but he quit before his orientation was done. He was a good nurse, personable, and very professional with the patients. However, we did get a few patients pull us lady nurses aside and ask us if there were any female nurses available instead. A lot of first time moms, especially. And then of course some patients did not care he was male, or at least didnt object. I think he quit for personal reasons. He was the only guy I can think of, and even the older seasoned nurses have said they never worked with a male nurse before him. So my unit is all female, but not because my manager won't hire men.

So let me make it clear that I am only speaking for me and no one else: I would be uncomfortable with a male as my OB nurse. I also know my husband wouldn't like it. I just think the care a nurse gives is just so much more personal than the docs (checking episiotomy stitches, helping breastfeed) and I would not feel relaxed, even if the male nurse were completely professional. Again, only speaking for me. I think there is something about having a female nurse who could relate to the experience that I find more comforting.

I think NICU is a great position. You said you love newborns, and you actually get to interact a great deal with the new mom's and provide them with lots of education. Hope your interview goes well, and maybe the unit will have male nurses and that would be more encouraging. I say it doesn't hurt to try, you never know how it will go unless you do

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I've been in 3 maternity units and have never seen a male nurse - male physicians, yes, but nurse, no. However if you interview and they think you're right for the job, go for it! The nurse managers (or whoever is doing the hiring) probably know best what the attitude of the unit is and the patients general preferences as well. Just don't get your feelings hurt when women request a different nurse and don't decide you're being discriminated against and need special accomodations and you'll be golden ;)

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Specializes in Ortho.

When my daughter was born, 2 male nicu nurses assessed her after delivery and then she had a male lactation consultant. A lot of women to prefer a female though

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Specializes in Adult Psychiatry, Correctional/Forensic Psychiatry.

Thank you guys for the responses. I figured females would prefer a female OB nurse over a male, which is completely understandable. I'm going to go to the interview, and afterwards we do share time so I'll get a feel of the unit myself when I do. I am definitely in love with the NICU though and I can't wait to start. I know that's my calling, I guess I was interested in the postpartum aspect of the field as well, but we will see how it goes! 🙂

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I knew a male L&D nurse who had been both a staff and charge nurse for 15+ years. He was awesome. He occasionally ran into issues where women preferred female nurses, but he was very kind, very gentle, and very personable. Most patients adored him. Good luck to you! Before I became an L&D nurse, I would've also preferred a female, but having seen some rough behavior from females towards their own patients, I'd rather have a gentle, competent male nurse than a female nurse/doc/midwife any day!

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Let us know how your interview goes and if there are already any guys working on the unit! It is a great sign that the manager is wanting to interview you. The worst thing that could happen is that some patients may prefer a female, and then so what, you get a female nurse for them and you take care of the ones who don't mind, right?! Good luck!

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Specializes in Adult Psychiatry, Correctional/Forensic Psychiatry.
Let us know how your interview goes and if there are already any guys working on the unit! It is a great sign that the manager is wanting to interview you. The worst thing that could happen is that some patients may prefer a female, and then so what, you get a female nurse for them and you take care of the ones who don't mind, right?! Good luck!

Exactly! I will keep you guys updated and thank you very much! I appreciate it. :up:

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Specializes in med-surg, IMC, school nursing, NICU.

I used to float to PP once in a while and never saw a man on the floor, other than the security guard. I worked in an area with a lot of Orthodox Jewish families and due to their customs I know the new moms would not be comfortable with a male nurse.

I don't have any kids but I don't think I would have a problem with a male nurse after delivery (or during!)

As long as they were kind and professional I believe I would be okay with it.

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Specializes in Cardiac, OB.

We have 2 male nurses on our L/D unit and they are wonderful! Only one patient has declined having a male nurse so that has been refreshing. One of the things we do is present them as we would any other shift change nurse "This is L, he will be you nurse today " as opposed to "Are you ok with a male nurse?" Our patients have been very receptive and spoken highly of the care they have received. So far so good!!

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I agree with an earlier comment that sometimes female nurses that work in these areas are actually not as sensitive as the guys because they figure if they could do it so can anyone and that we should all just toughen up! But memories fade, and every person with every labor is different. Some gals have it easier than others or just have more emotional support. Don't let anyone discourage you from doing something you enjoy-just be ready for some culture issues with having a male nurse. Actually, don't be surprised if you get called doctor a lot. I think if your confident and kind you'll do great!

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Specializes in ER.

I know I am being sexist, but my gut reaction would be fear, if I had a male nurse in postpartum. I would suck it up and give him a chance, but still, that initial reaction remains. BUT I feel strongly that men should be able to work on any unit. That puts your coworker in an uncomfortable position from the start, and through no fault of his own. On the other side, I would trust the my male coworkers to do a caring and professional job. I'd have no problem with them caring for me. It's a real trust issue, I bet I'm not the only woman who feels this way.

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