What's special about male nurses?

gr8rnpjt, RN · Nov 17, 2006

I don't see any reason why a male nurse should expect to be considered "special" in our profession. If he works hard, is helpful to others, is kind and considerate to patients and coworkers, I would be proud to work beside him or any female nurse. Don't go into this thinking that you will be treated "special". You will be sadly disappointed.

TazziRN, RN · Nov 17, 2006

I don't think they're any better because they're men, but because the profession is predominantly female, it's wonderful to see more and more men joining us.

Josh L.Ac. · Nov 17, 2006

It's because we rock. Oh, and we tend to have the natural aptitude to lift heavy objects.

We had to watch a video in class the other day called something like "Timid Women Need Not Apply" and several of the nurses interviewed thought having more male nurses in the field would be an asset because men are less likely to put up with bad working environments / pay / ratios / whatever.

I thought this was a silly comment...but when I thought about it, the only nurse (in the real world) that mentioned unions, workers rights, and getting paid a fair wage was a murse.

Does it seem like men are more likely to confront the man about issues that need to be changed?

Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP · Nov 17, 2006

I don't think they're any better because they're men, but because the profession is predominantly female, it's wonderful to see more and more men joining us.

Well put.

UKRNinUSA, RN · Nov 17, 2006

It's because we rock. Oh, and we tend to have the natural aptitude to lift heavy objects...............having more male nurses in the field would be an asset because men are less likely to put up with bad working environments / pay / ratios / whatever. .............Does it seem like men are more likely to confront the man about issues that need to be changed?

All of the above.................and tho I hate to say it, being of a feminist persuasion, more likely to be HEARD about issues. It still seems to be all about the old boy network in a man's world. Unfortunate, but true. However, this too shall pass.........

mom23RN · Nov 17, 2006

Well, for one thing men are "usually" physically stronger. That could be an obvious benefit right there.

In my experience men are just easier to work with. They don't do the backstabbing and griping that women tend to do. I woudl MUCH rather work with a bunch of men who will tell you what the problem is instead of talking behind your back.

Alexsys · Nov 17, 2006

In my experience men are just easier to work with. They don't do the backstabbing and griping that women tend to do. I woudl MUCH rather work with a bunch of men who will tell you what the problem is instead of talking behind your back.

I agree!

Creamsoda, ASN, RN · Nov 17, 2006

I worked in a psychiatric hospital and loved it. Mainly because there were way more men. I found the atmosphere to be nicer with the men around, like a previous poster said, less backstabbing ect. They werent all nurses, but there were more psych nurses that I saw than just RN's in my experience. Alot of them were psych aides to. I wish we had more men in nursing. And yeah when you need a boost in bed on a 300 lb intubated, unconsious, dead weight pt, their muscles help :chuckle

Cher

RNHawaii34 · Nov 17, 2006

Well, for one thing men are "usually" physically stronger. That could be an obvious benefit right there.
In my experience men are just easier to work with. They don't do the backstabbing and griping that women tend to do. I woudl MUCH rather work with a bunch of men who will tell you what the problem is instead of talking behind your back.

Amen to that!!!!:rotfl:

EmerNurse, BSN, RN · Nov 17, 2006

The fellas I work with (nurses and non) are terrific. For the most part, they're great nurses (and techs) and always very nice. There's a few who're b&tchy hehe but you know, the more I work with nurses (male and female) the more I learn that it really is just personality. Some folks will backbite, some will gossip, some will just be a pleasure to work with. Regardless of sex.

jo272wv · Nov 17, 2006

I am a male nurse and I do not think im any more special then my female co workers. I joke around with the female nurses, I make an agreement that I will do their heavyer lifting if they foley cath my female pts. I chuckle because I would help them anyway. And before you start a long rebuttle about us male nurses needing to do our own female caths, I do mine (when the pt states she does not mind) but I ask a female nurse or aid to witness.