** revised ** I'm doing my research for my future nursing career . I'm reading that nursing schools are approximately 90% females of which many are single and in late 20's early 30's.
It quickly dawned on me that I've never been in an environment like this: lot's and lot's of women. Smart women. Probably good looking too ;-) . And we'd be working together side by side through thick and thin to get through school. And later on the job. hmm.
Which brings me to lots of questions about myself working so closely with women. I'm learning quite a bit from my experience of posting this thread so far. Like I said, this is new territory for me.
What was your experience in nursing school? Was there male/female tension in this environment? Did you/any one you know struggle with this? Guys, Has nursing, aka working closely with mostly women, negatively impacted any of your relationships?
Sometimes you have to have a few conversations to be able to have the conversation ya really want to have. For this topic I realized I haven't been here long enough.
I learned quickly that this topic touched a nerve here in a way that distanced other members. That not what I want to do since I am seriously looking to get into this profession where I would be working with folks like the ones on this bbs. And I truly want feedback on this -- it's important area for me to grow if I am remotely serious about entering a female dominated profession.
Wack? must be a new hip term --not sure how it translates. I write quite honestly (what are anon BBS for?), but not looking to be disrespectful of the community standard here. So it was a no-brainer to tame down the original post.
Besides, after the initial responses of moderators (and lack of replies) I was a 'lil embarrassed. That's the beauty of it all -- I can mess up here, respond to that, mend fences, learn about it without the real-world consequences.
I disagree with your sentiment "if you mean it say it". Remember that I'm asking for feedback! I prefer, "if you put your foot in your mouth, back-space over it". I don't want to bull my way through a touchy subject once I realize it's a touchy subject.
Well since I have worked in a number of male dominated fields (law enforcement, tobacconist, pro poker player) I can say that it is interesting being in the minority genderwise.
Luckly I have started as a Nurse Assistant while in school and I am using this experience to "work out the bugs". I am a very very outgoing social happy go lucky guy who chats with everyone, sometimes more with attractive ladies but I make sure I am equally nice & polite with everyone.
I count myself extremely lucky in that I have already found a few "mentors" both male & female to ask questions of and learn the ropes, this issue along with the similar issue of being a male alone in a young girls room was disscused recently, everyone told me to do only what I was comfortable with, watch my back (since no one else will) and always act professionally since that is your reputation on the line. It is working so far & I hope it still will.
I like this BB for topics like these and always welcome everyones response.
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
I dunno...I came from military service whereby I was one of 3 females in a shop of prolly 75 males. worked fine. I commanded respect and GAVE it. It's a no-brainer and only an issue if YOU make it one. Maturity and mutual respect go a long way to stopping any tensions that "may" arise, being the lone male in a nursing unit. Ya gotta get over it like the millions of women before you have, working primarily "male" jobs---e.g., doctors, astronauts, fighter pilots, firefighting, etc. You get my drift.
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
Before I forget
I NEVER dated the men I worked with........
was called a "Lesbo" by many. Never mattered to me; it was a matter of principle that served me well and brought me the wonderful man I married 15 years ago. Plus, I have had some good lesbian friends/acquaintances whom I would be glad to have been compared to.....anyhow, Glad I saved myself for my husband, rather than dating these guys and gaining a worse "rep" than being a so-called "lesbo".
At my school we had an instructor who favored the girls over the guys. It was pretty annoying because we had to prove ourselves instead of being given the benefit of the doubt from day one unlike the girls.
I have also worked with a few nurses in the hospital that don't believe that men should be nurses. They are always rude to the men and seek out other female nurses before asking a man for help.
And then there are those female nurses who think the only reason a man is on the floor is to do all of their heavy turning and lifting.
These have been my observations, I haven't seen any sexual harrassment stuff by women or men.
At my school we had an instructor who favored the girls over the guys. It was pretty annoying because we had to prove ourselves instead of being given the benefit of the doubt from day one unlike the girls.
I have also worked with a few nurses in the hospital that don't believe that men should be nurses. They are always rude to the men and seek out other female nurses before asking a man for help.
And then there are those female nurses who think the only reason a man is on the floor is to do all of their heavy turning and lifting.
These have been my observations, I haven't seen any sexual harrassment stuff by women or men.
Thats not cool at all.
I hope that doesn't happen to me. I suppose I will have to make myself clear.
I have NEVER dated anyone I worked with, even though I'd met people I was attracted to. It's just a potentially BAD situation, ESPECIALLY if they're in your group.
As a man, I am hesitant to even compliment a co-worker who may look nice (which you'd think would be encouraging) because of the threat of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is ALL in the eye of the beholder, and I'd rather keep my mouth shut and keep my distance than risk my job and career over someone who's in a particularly overly sensitive mood or has some kind of ax to grind against men.
I wish it were different, I know compliments are good to hear, but the whole sexual harassment fiasco has made most men paranoid. I do occasionally compliment co-workers, but I keep it VERY general, and ONLY after I've developed a good rapport with them. Even then, I still wonder. Like I said, it's made most men paranoid. All it takes is one accusation, founded or unfounded, to ruin your reputation and career.
I still think this Mr_D is full of BS.. I would have respected his integrity more if he wouldn't have edited his original post. I wish I would have copied it.
PennyLane, RN
1,193 Posts
Wow, you really did tame down your original post.