Males in Pediatrics :) Thoughts?

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This is my first post! Hello nurses :) I'm Hayden, 19, counting down 3 more years to getting my RN. I wanted some feedback. Of all of the nursing specialties I've researched, I've found that Pediatrics/NICU are my absolute most favorable. Although I realize clinicals will be the "final decision", I've always had a passion and desire to work with children. In fact I initally began college as an Elementary Education major up until last semester when I made the transition to nursing. Anyway, what I wanted to know is how difficult will it be for me to land a job in peds or nicu? I'm concerned because men aren't exactly the ideal nurturers for the young (says stereotype). Also, as a RN grad, will I even be able to get a job in those units or is there some sort of experience requirement before landing a job your desired unit? I live in North Central Indiana in case region plays a factor in either one of these questions. I long to work in Indianapolis at a children's hospital. Thank you!!

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I don't see why being a male in these specialties would hurt you. In fact it may set you apart. As for being a new grad.. Hopefully (crosses fingers) in 3 years nursing will look a lot different and a lot better than today.

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Specializes in Acute Care Pediatrics.

let me tell you, the males that work in pediatrics are special nurses and they are some of the best loved by the patients on the floor. :) Especially on floors like mine, with so many teenage boys.... they really do love the male nurses that work on the floor.

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Great thank you! What do you mean nursing will be different in three years? Is it not good right now?

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

The kids on our peds floor and PICU love the guys! They just give off a different vibe!

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Hayden,

My name is Peter, 33, in Wisconsin. I too have a career path similar to yours. However I've done what you have pondered on and that is I majored in Elementary Education and have a strong sense of passion for children also. Men are needed as a male model in this day and age is very crucial. I have not yet started a program for nursing but I am seriously leaning in that direction in my next career move! Best of Luck!!!

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Specializes in Peds Cardiology,Peds Neuro,Pedi ER,PICU, IV Jedi.

Hayden,

I'm a 42 year old male paramedic and have worked in pediatrics for the past 18 years. In the beginning, I was one of the only males anywhere in the hospital. Now, males are much more a part of the hospital's makeup in all staffing roles, nursing included. My best advice to you: ignore stereotypes. In this case, they are absolutely not true.

I began working in pediatrics before I had children. 364 days later, my oldest was born. Everything I learned in that first year helped me to understand and to be able to relate to my new little boy. It made me a better person to others, a better father, a better man. Everything I have learned since has supplemented and reinforced that. We are just as capable of caring, compassionate care as our female counterparts. All we need is the opportunity.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

Please don't perpetuate stereotypes by repeating them... Mothers and fathers nurture their children is awesome and different ways, but they are both essential for children. It's no different in health care.

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Specializes in Peds Hem, Onc, Med/Surg.

I love our male nurses. I work on a peds onc floor and the male nurses are WONDERFUL. One in particular is of special value to us because he talks to our male patients about the benefits of sperm banking. A conversation that while a female nurse could do, probably is better coming from a male perspective.

I agree with the different vibe too. Our male nurses rock!

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congratulations for you ,for me i love nicu and treating with babies ,that my favorite work ,i studied egyptian fellowship at neonatal nursing and now iam studied master at pediatric

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I work a Peds/Women's floor. One of two guys, the third left to pursue NP. The patients seem to like having us just fine, the guy that left was the favorite nurse for a lot of our repeat Pt's. I've had a very positive experience so far, the patients are great and I think they respond to you as a person more than your gender. There are exceptions, and some women have privacy concerns for some items but that's not offensive, I've had teenage boys that were very uncomfortable with a young attractive female nurse doing some procedures and preferred me to do it. I didn't aim for Ped's/GYN just kinda ended up there but it's been great, very supportive group of Nurses especially for a new grad. Follow your gut, go for what calls to you. You'll be happier in the long run.

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Specializes in paediatrics/palliative care/community.

Hi, good choice of career I'd say! I'm a children's nurse in the UK, and couldn't imagine doing anything different! I've worked in a variety of settings including hospitals (PICU and wards), community and hospice care, and have never felt out of place. Like many have mentioned already, male nurses seem to bring something different to nursing - the kids respond really well to having a male presence, particularly some of the boys with long term conditions, who you will have recurrent contact with. I'd absolutely recommend paediatrics - not sure what else I'd do now!

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