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:
This is true. I must admit, I've never heard of a man who aspired to be a nurse midwife. What would a male nurse be called in that instance?
The Veridican
I never met one either, though there are more than a few guys who are midwives. Remember that the term "midwife" simply means "with the wife", so the "wife" in the term is referring to the patient, not the nurse.
...Let's stick with RN. Yes, every guy who's an RN has had the inevitable dumb questions, but we're big boys, and we can handle it. Nursing has a proud history. I'm proud to be part of that history.
Jim Huffman, RN
You may have hit on something whether you notice it or not.
On a purely nonrational emotional connotation, there seemed to be a difference when a man say that he is a "nurse" as oppose to saying he is a "RN" or "LVN" or "NP". The acronym by itself seemed to take care of the perceived problem. Notice you did not sign "Jim Huffman, Nurse" but "Jim Huffman, RN".
I never met one either, though there are more than a few guys who are midwives. Remember that the term "midwife" simply means "with the wife", so the "wife" in the term is referring to the patient, not the nurse.
Jim Huffman, RN
Oh, did not know that. So what happened if the patient is not a "wife"? Maybe we should change the name too... Ok ok ok... just kidding...:)
I never met one either, though there are more than a few guys who are midwives. Remember that the term "midwife" simply means "with the wife", so the "wife" in the term is referring to the patient, not the nurse.
"Nursing" is NOT a simply "male" or "female" pursuit an this may be news to YOU, but scientific and critical thinking are NOT limited to the male domain or mind. I am not feeding this one another bite. :angryfire
So do you think that the problems in nursing are due to gender issues or what?
These guys are nuts!! Imagine sitting in a pub after a long shift with them (catching a cab or a ride from a DD at the end of the night of course). I see all etiquette of what NOT to talk about flying out the window. Could be interesting and fun in that setting, but not here.
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.
i'm sorry, i'd like to continue reading the thread, but find myself so irritated by your post that i am unable to get past it.
a 'male' endeavor, because it is heavy, requires scientific thinking, decision making, and accountability. what are us lightweights (women) capable of? :angryfire i am absolutely speechless! is this post a joke?
We have around 100 male midwives here in UK, and they tend to be really well recieved by the women in labour, the problems mainly occur by the Male partner who objects to the male midwife, so guys work that one out!!!
The Veridican
42 Posts
This is true. I must admit, I've never heard of a man who aspired to be a nurse midwife. What would a male nurse be called in that instance?
The Veridican