jimbob

ok RNAC, I agree that these are things one should do as a team leader - but aren't these the basics? shouldn't we assume that these are being done anyway (speaking of being kind to each other). i agree with previous reply posters - doing a little something extra occasionally (too often and it loses it's magic, unless someone has gone to particular lengths to do something extra) will do wonders :-) [This message has been edited by jimbob (edited June 26, 2000).] [This message has been edited by jimbob (edited June 26, 2000).]

Hey "guys" interesting thoughts on males in the delivery suite - as a male student nurse time in the delivery room is a compulsory part of our training here in NZ - but only five days (in a block of four weeks). i presented myself cheerfully and happily as i always did for my clinical placements - and proceeded to spend three shifts being ignored, or at best tolerated with mild bemusement. mid-way through the third duty i was going to complain to my nursing tutor and decline to present myself, choosing to study at home in more comfortable surroundings, and probably getting as much "learning". then, suddenly and with almost no preparation, i was told that a 45 yr old multi was coming down from c floor (gynae) and to get me in to the delivery i should present myself quietly and unobtrusively. the delivery was awesome, the Pacific Island Mum having her fifth child, and i used my psychiatric nursing experience to intervene when a misunderstanding between the midwife and the mum (who had poor english) meant that she almost catherterised because of a misunderstanding. the delivery took until about midnight, and even though our hours were until 2100 hrs i stayed and presented at the proper time the next shift. i don't know whether it was my willingness to work or what, but i went on from a very bad start to be involved with five deliveries over the next two shifts, including a caesarian which had me in tears. my point? well it was my experience that much of how men are viewed in delivery suite depends on how we are presented by the nurse/midwives introducing us. for whatever reason i was treated badly in the beginning of my delivery suite placement, but when things turned around, and i was treated with professionalism and respect i think we should all be treated whether students or colleagues, it turned out to be one of the best placements i have experienced (although i'm not drawn to midwifery full time). yes, i accept the politics of male/female relationships and agree that clients should always have choices. but does the medical or surgical patient have a choice about who nurses them? and i have seen some very un-healthy nurse patient interactions in my time - but the patients don't appear to be able to choose not to be nursed by someone who treats them shabbily. and as one of the previous correspondents so correctly wrote - men are catherterised, and uritipped and so on (often with little dignity)by female nurses - shouldn't we give them a choice also????? (i can already hear the cries "but we don't have enough male nurses" :-) anyway, just my thoughts and ramblings good luck with your future and you will get what you want if you want it enough...

hey guys, sorry about ignorance but could someone please explain birp and soap for me? sounds more like personal hygiene and ADL's to me - here in nz we don't have any formal notation format but these may be helpful??? tks

Can't speak for the States jfinn but if you want to come and live in New Zealand you have an excellent chance. Nursing shortages are chronic and we've always taken new graduates in the psych field here. Good luck - hope you find what you want.