JDCPhD

I'm a new nurse in an old body. If we all treated each other with respect and dignity, we'd all realize that everybody can learn new things from everybody. We all have unique experiences. Isn't having the attitude of being a know-it-all a bad idea for everyone, new or experienced? Old timers: You deserve respect for your well-earned battle scars and we new timers can learn from you. New timers: You are eager and ready to serve, but don't forget to honor those who have gone before you and won many battles from which we can all benefit. All: Treat each other like you would want to be treated and nobody will be eating anybody. Dignity is an intrinsic right; respect is earned anew with each person you encounter. But above all: PLAY NICE!

So, maybe we could do something proactive to help change the public perception of men in nursing? I would think NPs in primary care, especially with admitting privileges, might change things somehow. BTW, I typically use the term "physician" when I refer to MDs & DOs. From an historical perspective, academia used the term "doctor" long before these other folks did. (They stole it from the PhDs... LOL)

I've been in an accelerated grad-entry program for six months and have collected about a dozen examples of subtle--the worst kind--discrimination against men in my nursing program. (Using "she" when instructors refer to a generic nurse in my courses is a pet peeve of mine. But, being left off a mailing list to form a chapter of AAMN because my gender was listed as F instead of M was embarassing.) One question I have for the group is why we think the phrase "male nurse" is an appropriate title? I think the term "male nurse" is sexist. I'm studying to be a nurse, not a male nurse. Our language is always changing and we've eliminated some of the female employment bias by using "server" instead of "waiter or waitress", chairperson instead of "chairman or chairwoman", and mail carrier instead of "mailman or mailwoman". What do you guys think?