Rejected for being a Male NP?

HyzenthlayLPN · Feb 21, 2017

You could talk to an employment attorney. It is really unfortunate that the people hiring for the position are so short sighted.

Trauma Columnist · Feb 21, 2017

Geez - thats horrible! Agree they are missing out on hiring male NPs....frustrating at the very least

Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Feb 21, 2017

I totally had this problem as a male when trying to do my women's health rotation for my FNP. Many places refused to have a male student because they said it would make their patients uncomfortable.

While I kind of understand the reasoning behind their decision since female primary care is one of the few disciplines where provider sex plays an important role to many patients, it's still blatantly wrong. The fact that they told you specifically that you are being turned down because of your sex is illegal I believe.

Where I work on the US border, many Hispanic patients, particularly older individuals, prefer to see male providers because that's what they are used to, and they see men as greater authority figures. When I was in primary care, the female NP with us would often be told patients didn't want to see her simply because she was female. They would prefer to see me, even though my Spanish isn't nearly as good as hers, and she has a decade of experience on me. Can you imagine if when hiring another provider the practice told an applicant, "we are looking for a male because our patient population prefers to see males over females"? Insta-lawsuit. I think you have a good case.

Jules A, MSN · Feb 22, 2017

I totally had this problem as a male when trying to do my women's health rotation for my FNP. Many places refused to have a male student because they said it would make their patients uncomfortable.
While I kind of understand the reasoning behind their decision since female primary care is one of the few disciplines where provider sex plays an important role to many patients, it's still blatantly wrong. The fact that they told you specifically that you are being turned down because of your sex is illegal I believe.
Where I work on the US border, many Hispanic patients, particularly older individuals, prefer to see male providers because that's what they are used to, and they see men as greater authority figures. When I was in primary care, the female NP with us would often be told patients didn't want to see her simply because she was female. They would prefer to see me, even though my Spanish isn't nearly as good as hers, and she has a decade of experience on me. Can you imagine if when hiring another provider the practice told an applicant, "we are looking for a male because our patient population prefers to see males over females"? Insta-lawsuit. I think you have a good case.

I agree and hope the OP has better answers as to why it is his DREAM job than the aforementioned desire to walk to work and obtain high-end health benefits. :)

Nimrodel, BSN, RN · Feb 22, 2017

You definitely have legal recourse if you wanted it.

googs · Feb 22, 2017

You definitely have legal recourse if you wanted it.

In what way? How do I go about it? Would it guarantee that I get the job? I also don't want to burn my bridges with the hospital by doing that. Would merely suggesting that they can't discriminate based on gender do the trick?

googs · Feb 22, 2017

Well I have to admit that it isn't my TOP dream job but being able to walk or ride my bike to work instead of sitting in a car and even go home for lunch when most other NPs and docs in town have to travel into the inner city is a huge plus. I plan on early retirement and commuting costs, if you do the math, severely limit one's ability to retire early, to the tune of 10 years or way more. The true cost of commuting is 55cents per mile on top of the opportunity time lost ina commute. If you make $60/ hr that is $600/week in time lost, or over $30,000 per year. Say your commute is 50 miles round trip, which is on the shorter side of average. That is another $125/week or almost $7000 a year. That totals $37,000 a year. A HUGE expense and to me, not worth working at my true dream job. My true dream is being able to get home quickly to spend time with my family and do things that I enjoy. The hospital is very well-run and financially sound. While I'd prefer to be in the ED or UC, I'll be happy not losing 1-2 hours a day sitting in the car (30 mins each way at my current IM job, but rush hour traffic ruins that). I really like my job but the hospital that owns the practice is in financial trouble.

Jules A, MSN · Feb 22, 2017

In what way? How do I go about it? Would it guarantee that I get the job? I also don't want to burn my bridges with the hospital by doing that. Would merely suggesting that they can't discriminate based on gender do the trick?

I agree it is illegal but proving that someone actually said it to you could be difficult in my opinion and you probably don't want to work somewhere that you aren't welcome anyway. I've never needed or wanted a position bad enough enough to make it worth the fight, and as a female of a certain age yes it has happened to me, so I wouldn't touch this with a ten foot pole especially if you have any interest in working for this organization in the future.

You might consider a follow up letter thanking them for their consideration and adding you feel as a male you can offer blah blah and were disappointed that was the reason given for not hiring you but I'd keep it as sweet as pie. More of a not so subtle heads-up than a threat.

There are too many NP jobs around to get involved in this mess, especially because it isn't actually your DREAM job. :)

kp2016 · Feb 22, 2017

This is completely illegal but the truth is there is realistically very little you can do about it and nothing that would get you you the job if they don't want to hire you. I have been on the inside of the hiring process and seen highly qualified applicants be passed over in favor of considerably less qualified applicants.

Keep job hunting and good luck.

lhflanurseNP, APRN · Feb 26, 2017

Unless you have the statement in writing, or taped with consent, you really don't have a leg to stand on. I wonder if this is the true reason or if the doctor chose someone he knows or is more comfortable with. Female patients have LONG been examined, and in some areas still are, by male practitioners...what's the difference? When these things happen to me, I say a blessing to the Lord above 'cause its usually to my benefit that something "interfered" with what I wanted. Good luck!

orangepink, NP · Mar 6, 2017

This happened during my OBGYN rotations. I saw more patients than my male classmate which was unfair on his end but you should have stated that you'll be having a female MA or technician inside the room with you at all times.

If youre otherwise qualifies, I wouldn't see gender as a hindrance.