quakerkid

A very fair assessment. I agree with you that it may not have been a fair question in the first place, but that perhaps we can reflect upon it as a greater whole. Thank you.

I'm not sure if you are quoting me - I never said "someone" told me. I don't know what schools they went to, but I have indeed had colleagues who practiced GYN exams on each other. In fact, if you go back and read through the posting on this thread, there are multiple posters who attest to this fact... "I took a beginning midwifery course in which we had to do pelvic exams on each other. We were all nervous about it but once it happened it was not that bad I am glad it happened." I accept that maybe this was happening in the past, and no longer happens - and I have no data to suggest that testicular exams were never done on classmates - its just my gestalt. So I could definitely be wrong. But even if you approach this from the standpoint that these exams are no longer happening, at one point they certainly were. The paucity of posts regarding male-classmate exams suggests that those types of exams are even more rare, if they occur at all. So in that context, are there greater forces at work, such as sexism/patriarchy?

that wasn't very nice. in fact, its rude. why was it necessary to respond like that? gyn exams do happen on classmates, albeit very infrequently. they do not happen on men. my question stands - what is going on here?

Interesting thread. Here's a question I've been pondering, and perhaps some of you can help me make up my mind: Although rare, I've definitely met NP and RN's who had to do Pelvic exams on their female classmates. I've NEVER met anyone who ever did testicular exams on their male classmates. What is at play here? Sexism? (and towards whom...women or men. Or both?) Patriarchy? Women's Liberation? Thank you for your thoughts. (I've not made up my mind - so please don't attack me for making any of these suggestions - they were solely for the purpose of stimulating thought)

I'm told all the time by the residents I work with that they wish they had known about NP's before they applied to Medical School. I think they are implying that they would have made a different choice if given the chance. Certainly both careers are rewarding (though depending on the field in Medicine, there are certainly opportunities for much greater financial reward... But it's not all about the money is it!?) No regrets.

As an NP who went through a direct-entry program, and now works at Yale-New Haven Hospital, I feel well suited to answer your question... Stay in Boston. The connections you make will be vastly more important than having an 'ivy league' resume. If you are looking to work in Boston after graduation, you will have a much better chance by having shown yourself to be exceptional during your clinical rotations, rather than having a good resume. Hope that helps.

While I appreciate the point made by the quoted poster, I have to take issue with a phrase which is all too common: the phrase "sexual preference" is extremely troubling to me. My sexual orientation is as a much a "preference" as my height, or my skin color. In other words, not a "preference" at all. I wouldn't suggest that a straight person's orientation was anything but innate. It may seem like semantics, but I urge everyone to think about their sexual orientation, and reflect on how it would feel if someone implied or suggested it was a choice, especially in light of the sociopolitical events occurring in our country which remind us everyday that the love of "one man, and one woman" is the only acceptable kind.

Oh good, I'm glad the patient's homophobia wasn't challenged, and that he went along with his life thinking it is OK to discriminate. (note my sarcasm) He was OK with having a male nurse, as long as he was straight. Classy.

Candiceena, I don't live in Washington - but I think there are some generalizations which apply everywhere. Here in Boston, there are several things which influence new-graduate pay: 1. Unions (starting pay is higher) 2. Academic teaching hospitals vs. community hospitals (my understanding is that the community hospitals actually start a little higher) 3. Pre-RN experience. (Though unlikely, it never hurts to ask if your EMT/LPN/etc. experience could start you out at a higher rate) 4. Urban/Rural (If what you really want the highest per/hour wage - move to NYC, or L.A., or San Francisco - just remember, your cost of living will change as well...) 5. Differentials (While I start lower, my hospital's diffs are much higher than other hospitals, I end up ahead). Hope that helps. There are many threads which address this topic, but I think it is important to realize that pay should not always be the deciding factor. I work at an academic teaching hospital in Boston that starts several dollars less than some other hospitals in the area - but I am treated well, there are opportunities for advancement, my ratios are great, and I love and respect my co-workers. - Nico

Hello, Anyone work at S.F. General Hospital? Do you enjoy it? How are the benefits? I am thinking of moving from the east coast to S.F., any suggestions, tips, insight? Where are the best places to live? Thanks!

MGH is first razing the older "clinics" building, which is currently underway. Once completed, the so-called "building for the third century" or B3C will house surgical suites, a Neuro ICU, as well as an expanded emergency room on the first floor. Other than that, the plans are kept hush-hush!

Sounds like you might be a little upset that MGH didn't hire you. After all, why apply there if you think they are elitist, have poor facilities, and overcrowding? Additionally, requiring a BSN is not a random, elitist requirement. Studies have found that patients have better outcomes when being taken care of by BSN prepared nurses. Is that elitist? Or just good care? Finally, it may be semantics, but you can't have a BSN in another medical field - it is inherently a nursing degree.

kinda reminds me of all the times people assumed i was straight. ironic.

A friends mother, who knows I am in an NP program sent me a well-meaning congrats note when I finished my 1/2 way point. It said some nice things, and then I got to the last sentence: "These days, being a Nurse Practitioner is almost as good as being a doctor!" Well-meaning, but poorly phrased, and perhaps poorly informed. Since then, I've had several old ladies mistake me for an MD, and then when I correct them, they ask me: "why didn't you go to med school? You're smart." - it's always the old ladies - nobody else ever says that!

Anyone else annoyed when people call you a "male nurse"? Maybe it goes something like this: Person: What do you do? You: I'm a nurse. Person: Oh, you're a male nurse? Wow, thats interesting. It annoys me because, no - I'm not a male nurse. I'm a nurse. Being a male has nothing to do with it. A member does not make you more or less qualified. Do you think female doctors ever have the same conversation? Person: What do you do? Female doctor: I'm a doctor Person: Oh, you're a female doctor? Wow, thats interesting. Probably not....

Hi - Wondering if any gay nurses have an insight into some concerns i've been having... How much do you self-disclose about yourself? What do you say when patients assume you are straight, and ask you about your girlfriend/wife? How about when they assume you are gay?!? How appropriate is it to be out to them? to your co-workers? Certainly there is a double standard, as straight nurses would be 'out' at work (by talking about thier family, or feeling comfortable self-disclosing about their family), but what techniques do you use at work? Oh, and if you respond - please mention a little about what kind of nursing you do. Thanks so much! EDIT: Thanks for the first several responses - I wanted to update my question a little. I guess I am asking specifically about the situation when patients ask about your personal life (which, during nursing school, we were taught not to disclose, since the focus should be on the pt. not on the nurse.) But at the same time, we have to build a healty, healing relationship... answers?

I took both my chemistry classes, and my stats there - and the content was good, but i didnt 'enjoy' myself. I didnt get excited about going to class. But that may have also had something to do with the fact that I am several years older than everyone else in those classes... I'm sure different people get different vibes from Simmons. I think it just isnt for me. I was accepted into the acute care track, which is what i was hoping for. But I also didnt want to rule out Simmons based on a 'feeling', so i have been trying to look for quantatative evidence of differences between the programs, and have not found many...Simmons is more expensive, does not have the summer off, and requires more credits. MGHIHP has priority placement in partners healthcare hospitals for their students - or so I was told once - that for every one student from other schools, MGHIHP is allowed to place two into select programs. Still, I wonder if there are other factors which I am missing....

Hi, I guess I have not made a final decision yet, but I let my due date, for the money, pass by - so I geuss that means I am going to MGH. I have taken some of my pre-recs at simmons, and liked the classes, but there was something that made me uncomfortable - I didn't really like the vibe of the whole place. On the other hand everything about MGH has made me feel good. I also did not like how pressured I felt by Simmons to make a decision in less than two weeks. They have to understand that people apply to multiple places and need to hear back from them all before being able to make an informed decision. What is making you lean towards simmons?

Hi everyone, I am trying to decide which school to attend in Boston for a direct-entry MSN - MGH or Simmons. Any insights? Personal Experiences? Thanks - nico P.S. Any quick advice would be much appreciated...since simmons wants money from me SOON.

Hi, I've been admitted to MGH and Simmons direct-entry programs, and now I have to make a decision....Help! Any advice? Thanks - Nico P.S. Any quick advice would be much appreciated, since simmons wants a decision and money from me SOON.