gsteph719

One thing about the medical profession, nursing in specific,, you are NEVER too old to join the crowd, as long as you can hold up to the workload. I graduated 15 years ago, and one "student" turned 60 the day he graduated. With that said, "Would I recommend Nursing as a profession?" Probably not. WIth all the changes in staffing, new healthcare reform, etc., nursing, to me, is not "fun" anymore. Luckily, I am close to retirement age with only a few years left. I look forward to the day when I no longer have to make a living as a nurse. It has been rewarding, I've learned a lot about myself and others along the way, but the politics and all make me glad that I can see light at the end of the tunnel.

I have been a nurse for 15 years, and have seen some questionable and disorderly conduct by patients. It almost seems a hospital admission gives license for patients to push the limit on conduct issues. Then again, some patients have medical conditions that make them act out. It's part of medicine. If patients were "well patients" they wouldn't be in the hospital, right? 95% of the time, however, misconduct of patients, whether they be male or female is nonexistent. There are those few exceptions. My advice to you is, if you are uncomfortable with an assignment, and you have legitimate reasons, ask for an assignment change. But you can't go through your entire nursing career fearing male patients as you state. There are also legal implications as well. As stated, in my 15 year nursing career, I have yet to place a Foley catheter in a female patient. I always delegate that to another female nurse. I have been physically accosted several times by both male and female patients. I was flushing a central line on one female patients, both hands occupied with the procedure, when I felt her grabbing my privates, making derogatory comments. I finished flushing the line, and informed her that her actions were inappropriate. Use common sense in these situations. Patient care is testy and can be intimidating for new nurses. Touching other peoples bodies can be more of a trial for you, rather than the patient. It's something you will have to overcome, or else resort to an area of nursing that involves non-patient care.