Men In Nursing Issues

Published

I need your input! I am in a debate in nursing school. The topic is "Men in Nursing." (I'm on the "pro" side of the debate). If any of you have ever had an experience with a male nurse, or you are one, please, send me your thoughts on the care, how you felt when receiving the care, the possible stereotypical feelings you had, what this nurse contributed overall that surprised you, and ultimately, how this affected you in the end. ALL the feedback I can get would be so greatly appreciated! Thank you!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU.

The focus on this just promotes stereotypes. Some men are top nurses and some are not, just like women. Are all women cut out to be nurses? All I know is that I've had plenty of patients thank me and compliment me, and not one complain I was a man. It's all about the individual.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

nurse2033: awesome! now, i really need some info on your experience - YOURS! Can you elaborate on your experiences with females at the bedside? Be as explicit as you can. I'm having a really hard time getting the "pro" opinions on this... most journal articles all talk about the "cons".

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with nurse2033 regarding this issue promoting stereotypes. Further, I have a very hard time accepting that any school would actually debate this topic.

If you have access through your school's library, you might review Men in Nursing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

I agree with nurse2023. You can't discuss the subject without bringing up the differences between men and women. So I don't think there is anything to debate.....You can overlay any profession that was previously dominated by one sex and you get the same old tired arguments - all stereotypical. Some men aren't cut out to be nurses; some women aren't either. Some women aren't cut out to be police officers; some men aren't either. All of these professions have a "standard" of expectations and requirements and all those practicing are different in a zillion other ways than girls played with dolls and dollhouses and boys played with guns and buillt forts when they were growing up. Having said that, a man in nursing is practicing in a female dominated profession so as far in to the future that I can see, nurses are generally going to be referred to as "she" and that's the way it is. The only resentment I've ever felt for being a guy was in nursing school but that was from the dinosaurs that the last time they hung an IV was with a glass bottle. Other than that I've always been welcomed by the girls; especially when there is a heavy lift or if someone needs to be restrained!!! See, nurse2033 told you you can't talk about this with stereotyping!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

This is an awful topic for a debate. And anyone who is on the "con" side is going to be in for a rude awakening when they hit the real world and find male nurses are here to stay.

You need actual statistics and numbers to back your claim, not just anecdotal stories about how smart, kind, caring, etc male nurses are.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I appreciate everyone's feedback. The stories are significant in my opinion, as well as the facts.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So what is the debate question?

This seems more like a general discussion than a debate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am a military nurse. If you want copious stories about the pros of male nurses, PM me. I can talk til your ears fall off.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

Who could promote the con of male nurses? Have you taken a ride in Sherman's way back machine?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think you need to specify what you are asking... Are you asking whether men *ought* to be in nursing at all?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

I like working with men they are usually laid back, not into gossip or cliques and it always helps to have a man around when you need to boost or move a patient!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion