What if men dominated the Nursing profession?

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Ok, first of all let me say that I want this thread to be productive and not be reduced to flaming one another...

I just finished reading another thread where a student posted an initiative started by the state of CA (in 2001)that supported a bill being passed for the BSN to be the entry point into the nursing profession and all others with their ASN would be grandfathered in.

There were a few comments posted that started to border on being peeved about this even being a remote possibility and I could predict that if the thread were to continue there would be posts flaming one another back and forth about whether or not the nursing profession should progress to that point.

So, my question to all that want to remain civil about this idea, is what if men dominated the nursing profession? Would we still be talking and squabbling over the changes that should/need to be taking place in this field or would these changes have already occurred back in 2001, nationwide.

As a side note, before I even went back to school, I thought that it was so odd that the nursing field had so many entry points...a person with his or her diploma/LVN/LPN/ASN/RN are all considered to be nurses. It's absolutely unbelievable to me. I know of no other field that considers itself to be a profession that allows for so many entry points.

I've never seen a field so fragmented and resistant to change.

Specializes in NICU.

I disagree with the notion that other professions don't have multiple entry points. There are many that equate experience with education. Some that require a minimum education, but have many additional levels of ed. Some that encourage apprenticeships.....and so on and so forth. My dad started out as an office boy at 18, became a draftsman, then an "junior engineer," then an engineer....and now owns his own business. At any one of those points, he could have entered the field. The same exists in many professions.

It always makes me a little sad to hear women say they prefer to work with men because of the attitudes/drama, or whatever. How about working in the environment you like, and trying to affect some sort of change....rather than avoiding/bashing it? Yes, I do grow weary of the endless baby showers and bridesmaid invitations, but I'll tell you what....those women would be there for me in a heartbeat. I bow out of conversations that include back-stabbing and gossip because it's just not my style. Of course, that means more people want to vent to me, but I usually don't mind. When I'm not in the mood to hear it, I just say so. It's really fairly simple. It would be fantastic if those that avoid it jumped right in and made their positions known.

I've worked in careers that were predominantly male and now female. I've seen just as much indecision, backstabbing and gossip from men as I have women. Men just bring less cookies to work, and want everyone to dress in all blue or olive green. Bleh. I happen to love my Curious George scrubs. :)

Specializes in LTC.

As a side note, before I even went back to school, I thought that it was so odd that the nursing field had so many entry points...a person with his or her diploma/LVN/LPN/ASN/RN are all considered to be nurses. It's absolutely unbelievable to me. I know of no other field that considers itself to be a profession that allows for so many entry points.

What would you call us then? :confused:

:bugeyes::lol_hitti:clpty::vlin:

Specializes in LTC.

They's have us all wearing dresses again....

Specializes in psych. rehab nursing, float pool.
Ok, first of all let me say that I want this thread to be productive and not be reduced to flaming one another...

I just finished reading another thread where a student posted an initiative started by the state of CA (in 2001)that supported a bill being passed for the BSN to be the entry point into the nursing profession and all others with their ASN would be grandfathered in.

There were a few comments posted that started to border on being peeved about this even being a remote possibility and I could predict that if the thread were to continue there would be posts flaming one another back and forth about whether or not the nursing profession should progress to that point.

So, my question to all that want to remain civil about this idea, is what if men dominated the nursing profession? Would we still be talking and squabbling over the changes that should/need to be taking place in this field or would these changes have already occurred back in 2001, nationwide.

As a side note, before I even went back to school, I thought that it was so odd that the nursing field had so many entry points...a person with his or her diploma/LVN/LPN/ASN/RN are all considered to be nurses. It's absolutely unbelievable to me. I know of no other field that considers itself to be a profession that allows for so many entry points.

I've never seen a field so fragmented and resistant to change.

yes, there are alot of entries to health care. Just exactly which title would suggest having drop out as an entry? I do not want to flame you, and I do not want to assume that you would suggest we LPN/LVN be dropped so that ASN/ RN be the entry point or as others have suggested BSN. Just wondering what your own personal thoughts are.

I love the guys I have worked with through the years. Some worked as floor nurses, most went quickly up the ladder into management. Former place I worked, often said it took having an appendage to get into management after only 1 year of floor experience.....:D

Specializes in Cardiology, Oncology, Medsurge.

As an xy nurse now working oncology not telemetry, I can simply state I have had run ins with jerky male nurses as well as outstanding ones. However, I believe all nurses give a special meaning to the word nurse (we all have our certain strengths) gender aside.

Now when it comes to being paid fairly. I regret to say that having more men in the field will help to increase the rate of pay for the betterment of nursing. Equal pay for equal work, yatayatyayahhhh.....!!!

And did I say I love having time off to be with my family? Well, I do ;-)

:bow::typing:bow::typing

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