"Oh, you're a guy? I can't hire you"

caliotter3 · Sep 29, 2010

Just go to another employer. Most places are only too happy to hire male CNAs because of their ability to lift heavy residents. So cross these people off your list. Good luck.

blue cna · Sep 30, 2010

they cant do that, thats discrimination

joyousdg · Sep 30, 2010

That sucks, I think that is discrimination BUT you probably don't want to work there anyway. I am sorry that you had to experience that. Keep looking and I think you will find somewhere that will appreciate you for exactly who you are and how you are. Good luck.

ctmed · Sep 30, 2010

I am a male.

I have gotten over it and am used to the fact that many women are not going

to want some older, big, ugly guy like me looking at them naked. After all, it is their choice. I always ask employers beforehand about their policy of male CNA duties with female patients. I walk out of the interview office immediately if I feel they will not respect female patient preference or want to put me in dangerous circumstances.

I do not think it is discrimination. It is patient comfort and not leaving yourself open to serious career ending complaints.

I think they should have at least communicated with you beforehand. It sounds to me like the HR in that place is on so much of a high horse they are too good to talk to whoever knows what staff the floor needs or even read an application. Some of these worse LTCs can be infested with this kind of junk.

Ytellu · Sep 30, 2010

Seriously, they cannot do that. Call the EEOC office and fill them in. A report will be filed. As professionals they need to take responsibility for their hiring practices. It's improper termination. Call them!

Boog'sCRRN246, RN · Sep 30, 2010

I'm sorry, how is it not discrimination? The OP was blatantly told that he couldn't be hired because he was male. There's a federal law against that...

"Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that protects individuals from discrimination based upon sex. This law makes it illegal for an employer to discriminate against individuals because of their sex in hiring, firing, and other terms and conditions of employment, such as promotions, raises, and other job opportunities."

So, either something is missing from the story, or the person the OP spoke with is an idiot. Did you happen to get anything in writing??

ctmed · Sep 30, 2010

I am leaning towards the HR person being an idiot. Hate to say that about someone.. but that is if the OPs story is telling everything. Incompetence is a harsh word.

But....

The employer might be in an at-will-employment state. Also, the nature of resident's preferences can probably override male/female hiring. Example: Hooters can not be sued for not having male waiters.

You can be sure HR will lie through the teeth if a big stink was raised, though. It probably will not get our OP a job to pay rent and eat, either.

Some places, it could "blacklist" the OP.

I would move on.

Boog'sCRRN246, RN · Sep 30, 2010

Being an at-will employment state doesn't trump federal law. Employers can terminate for anything or nothing at all...with the exception of unlawful discrimination (i.e, sex, gender, etc.).

"Example: Hooters can not be sued for not having male waiters."

This falls under the "Bona Fide Occupational Qualification" section of the Civil Rights Act. Hooters proved that being female was an integral part of serving at the restaurants so that provided them an exemption from hiring males as servers.

I do agree that the facility would more than likely lie about everything if the OP drew attention to the matter.

camci · Sep 30, 2010

I probably won't file any complaints for the very reason someone listed about being "blacklisted". I have a 7 month baby to support and don't have the time to deal with that kinda thing. But then again, I also don't have the time to have someone tell me a week in advance that "I want you to come to orientation next week, I want to hire you" and in turn I don't apply for anymore places for a week or follow up anywhere and spend money on scrubs and toys for my daughter thinking I'll be able to afford it, THAT is VERY upsetting.

I'm telling the truth. I have long hair and a high voice, she had to ASK me whether or not I was male or female but AFTER she had me sign papers and even give her days I want vacation.

Awright162 · Sep 30, 2010

So let me get this straight.....they only need ONE man to work for them. How many people does this place employ? I would think they needed more than one man CNA. Unless the one they hired recently was the last of the required count they needed for the men.

All I say is...I'm glad I'm a woman. :yeah:

Sorry to hear about what happened to you, I think you'll be fine though. :nurse:

ctmed · Sep 30, 2010

If it helps any, one Nursing Home an agency sent me to outside New Orleans sent me to a nursing home that had a transvestite CNA. He/she took hormones to get the breasts looking real and voice sounding convincing. Surprisingly, he/she was a damn hard worker and arguably one of the best CNAs there and has been a CNA much longer than I have.

Of course, in that LTC, 90% of the female residents there were so out of their mind afflicted with Alzheimers and Parkinsons that they did not know what planet they were on. Nor are they capable of remembering who takes care of them - but that is not the point.

The place you applied may have been flaky but even I have been turned down for some assignments because I am a guy. Of course, there are also assignments I got strictly because I was a guy.

OP could also try psych units. They like male CNAs. Or, look into transport.

Bottom line is, if a former transvestite waitress from a French Quarter gimmick bar can get hired as a CNA or even I can get assignments as a guy... the OP can too.

Good luck with the job hunt.