Quick question or thoughts?

[thegreatone28]

Is it really hard for a male to become a male nurse in OB/GYN?

How do women feel about it and would I get a stare from a patient? Plus does a patient have the right to ask for a female instead of a male?

[racing-mom4, BSN, RN]

There are male and female OB/GYN Docs, so I dont know why there couldnt be male and female OB nurses.

The only part I as a new mom may feel uncomfortable with is a male nurse helping me with breast feeding.

Then again, had it not have been for the housekeeper in 1998 I would not have been able to nurse my baby. The lactation specialist came in, the nurses tried to help. Every one said it shouldnt hurt but it did.

Here comes the housekeeper to empty my trash and she saw me in tears, asked how I was doing and I told her "fine if I could only get this baby to nurse" she took one look at me and said "Girl...your doing it all wrong" she came over with pillows in hand, propped my arms up, moved the babies head, put my knees up and got baby on. I am grateful to you Hilda!!!

[locolorenzo22, BSN, RN]

Ok....let me be honest....I believe that the amount of uncomfortable patients/visitors/etc...may not make it worth it. During my NS rotation, we had some labor patients who did NOT want a male student/nurse...and my instructor made it clear that really, males are NOT hired for OB...

I liken it to the fact that, you know, I don't have ovaries....so how could I really educate you?

[puggy232]

When in school on my clinic rotation we followed a male nurse but he was on the new born nursery side, I think it would be hard to be in L&D as a male, never mind open yourself up to liability-having to do checks and all, that said when I had my baby I had a male tech who put my foley in-I was in so much pain by then I couldn't care less-no epidural overseas army hospital. Even though there are so many male OB docs, the patient to nurse relationship is different.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

Depends on where you are. One of my supervisors' husband is an L&D nurse and has never had issues getting a job - in several states.

I wouldn't care whether my labor nurse is male or female, but you might have to be prepared for the fact that there'll be some women who will prefer females. You'll have to be ok with that. As long as you are, I really see no reason why you can't go for it.

If you care, that goes a long way, ovaries & uterus or no. :)

[NeosynephRN]

One of the nurses where I work...and have had 2 babies is male and he is awesome!! Sure a patient could refuse you, but I am sure there would be plenty to welcome you!!