Sexism in the Workplace

BBboy · Dec 18, 2015

As males we are typically the first to be called in these situations. Is it annoying? Yes, but really its not a big deal. Not sure what kind of claim you could have bringing this up to HR considering Nursing and CNA is a teamwork environment. I can't tell you how often i get called to assist with any kind of lifting just because of how i look on the outside but im always ready to assist my coworkers and those i provide care to

Zyprexa_Ho · Dec 18, 2015

I don't mind helping people. I just mind always being the first one to be asked in these situations. It's not fair to my body to be doing so much more strenuous activity when I'm getting paid the same (and more often less) than my female coworkers. I have a back to take care of, too.

BBboy · Dec 18, 2015

Lol I think there in lies your problem, the lack of a higher wage due to an increase of assistance towards others. And yes, you have a back to protect as does everyone else, precisely the reason why you were called to assist.

OcMurse93 · Dec 19, 2015

All nurses, male or female, are expected to and should be capable of doing the same amount of work. Calling on other male nurses and cnas repeatedly to do the heavy lifting not only increases your risk of injury, but re-enforces the perception that if you're a male, you're obligated to help with any heavy lifting tasks.

I always find it funny that everything functions fine when here aren't any men on the floor, but then all of a sudden the second a man is on the floor anything above a minor effort is "too difficult" for two women to handle.

If it is becoming excessive, simply refuse and explain why. If you're being forced to constant help, then you should go to HR. like I said before, it increases the risk for you hurting yourself. At the very least, get some documentation so that if you do end up hurting your back after being asked to lift someone for the nth time for the day, you have something to show you made an effort.

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Dec 29, 2015

You "feel like"...ok...you need evidence. You can't tell your boss you "feel like". Are you an RN or student? As a nurse you need to gather evidence. If you can show you are consistently asked to do certain jobs more than others and you feel it is unfair then bring EVIDENCE to your boss. Also you are "asked"...so this means you do not have to do it. If you are "ordered" to do something that is different.

AVALANCHE-VII · Dec 31, 2015

I understand where you're coming from and yes, you should always protect your back so it should be a team effort, and same goes for combative patients. But on the flip side of things, I think it's safe to assume if you had trouble finding a vein you'd ask the nurse who shows talent with IVs, or an RN who is good with time management would be one you would ask for advice from. You've shown that you're dependable and have the physical capability to help with these things, so that also contributes to why you are asked, not just because you're male.

That's my 2 cents.

Zyprexa_Ho · Dec 31, 2015

Avalanche, of course I have shown that I can do these things because they are a part of everyones' job description. Comparing lifting ability to IV sticking is comparing apples and oranges, because one is a skill that can be learned (IVs) and one is based on the assumption that one has a certain characteristic (ie that as a man I am stronger than women).

Yes, most men are stronger than women, but it becomes sexist when you assume that all men are stronger than women. There is a very relevant distinction here.

Zyprexa_Ho · Dec 31, 2015

And Windsurfer, as far as your evidence is concerned, how do you suggest I get that information or how can I ensure it is reliable. Just documenting what I see is not going to be enough because inevitably while I'm in a room, someone is going to be doing something that I cannot document. There is essentially no way for me to get that proof.

wooten3955 · Jan 2, 2016

According to the evidence I've seen, female RNs are paid about $5,000 less than their male colleagues per year, and it differs depending on the field and certifications. Male CRNA's make $17,000 more per YEAR than their female counterparts! Just pointing out that even in nursing, which is dominated by females, they lag behind men in pay.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/24/stubborn-pay-gap-is-found-in-nursing/?smid=tw-nytimeshealth&seid=auto

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Jan 11, 2016

I forgot about being the workhorse when it comes to lifting patients for the floor. Fortunately, I have found one of the only units that the female nurses don't ask me for lifting assistance. There isn't much need for male "muscle" when most of your patients are less than 5 pounds. :cheeky:

bgxyrnf, MSN, RN · Jan 11, 2016

I feel like I am always asked first to deal with combative patients

As well you should.

The average dude has more experience dodging blows than the average gal and generally has more muscle mass to absorb them if they land.

Personally, I can't stand by and let the gals engage a combative patient without stepping up.

I'm kinda old school in that regard.