Out with "Nurse" In with...?

Published

It's time to change the term "nurse." It doesn't fit with the male image of nursing, and more and more men are coming into the field of nursing. I just can't think of another term. Our vocabulary just doesn't seem to have another term that would fit both sexes.

"Medic" doesn't work, because it has a military connotation and medics are more like EMTs or paramedics, and nursing is far more than a medic. We provide the care people need when they are sick.

"Caregiver", though, sounds like a volunteer or a family member.

"Registered Healthcare Provider" sounds like an MD, or an insurance company.

"Registerd Medical Technician" is not a professional status. Technicians do tasks; nurses assess and make care plans based on their findings. Not to mention, patient education, care coordination, and supervision of, in fact, med techs.

Anyone have any good ideas? I'm sure the elderly female nurses at the ANA would welcome our suggestions with open arms! :rotfl:

The Veridican

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

How about 'OY YOU THERE'

:roll

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Utilization Management.

I think that we should keep the term "nurse."

I've known women who were cops, ironworkers, and mechanics. How far do you think women--a distinct minority in all of those professions--would get if they suggested changing the name of their profession?

Not........very.........far. :nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
It's time to change the term "nurse." It doesn't fit with the male image of nursing

I'm not really sure if I know what that means. Anyways, I like being a "nurse"...that's what I am, and I'm a guy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rodeo Nursing (Neuro).
I'm not really sure if I know what that means. Anyways, I like being a "nurse"...that's what I am, and I'm a guy.

10-4, good buddy. I haven't been working my butt off to become a "health care provider".

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rodeo Nursing (Neuro).
How about 'OY YOU THERE'

:roll

People around here look at you funny if you say "Oy".

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

There was a very lengthy and heated thread about this a while back.......I wish I could find it. But "nurse" as you know, gets about 1000000.0000000.000 hits, so I probably won't.

Anyhow I only find two terms that work for me: "nurse" or "healer" . And "healer" even, does not begin to describe all we do.

Really, If a man enters nursing, it's not like does so unadvisedly. I think he knows that is what he will be called, after all.....It's the essence of what we do. Why change it?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
People around here look at you funny if you say "Oy".

we can reverse it to "yo" and have it work out ok. :rotfl:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
It's time to change the term "nurse." It doesn't fit with the male image of nursing, and more and more men are coming into the field of nursing. I just can't think of another term. Our vocabulary just doesn't seem to have another term that would fit both sexes.

The Veridican

What is the "male image of nursing" as you see it? Just curious.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I guess I don't think of the term "nurse" as gender specific.

I am, however, working my fanny off to get an RN after my name, with all that title implies. Nope, nope, I wouldn't want to see it changed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
What is the "male image of nursing" as you see it? Just curious.

Well, since you ask, all of nursing is really a "male" endeavor. It's heavy, it requires scientific thinking, decision making, accountability, and these kind of traits are traditionally found in male dominated occupations.

I believe, in fact, that nursing started out as a male profession, but it reversed around the time of the Civil War (Please correct me if I am wrong.)

So, the male image of nursing would be the original image of nursing. :rolleyes:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cath Lab, OR, CPHN/SN, ER.

Ditto- I think it should stay nurse. -Andrea

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion