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Why haven't more men entered the field of nursing over the years? Nursing remains at 94.6% female.
Originally posted by roxannekkbI honestly think that men would give nursing more backbone and clout. While there are some great female nurses out there, standing up for nursing and fighting for better working conditions, the bulk still seems to be more interested in complaining amongst themselves, backstabbing, and getting into those catty "girl" situations.
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Thats what I fully intend to do.
edit>> Join the Guys Club --> https://allnurses.com/t41581/s.html
"The most constant issue I feel when working with my female counter parts is a lack of solidarity "
The fact that you used the term female sort of emphasizes the implication that you are attributing the solidarity problem to being female, you see? I am really not trying to pick on you, just clarifying what you meant, that's all.
When people are talking about unity, I think they confuse two distinct problems in nursing:
1. Unprofessional, backstabbing interpersonal behavior and,
2. The absence of a "unified" grassroots advocacy movement among nurses
Frankly, I think it's a real stretch to claim that the two are related.
It is actually my opinion that the nursing profession generally but not exclussively favors a passive, congenial personality type in a darwinian way regardless of gender. This personality typically is very uncomfortable with "rocking the boat" or otherwise challenging the hard core power hierarchy that we all know still exists.
Something else I've noted (and please correct me with your experiences if I'm wrong) is that there isn't a consistent combination of both management and clinical education among nurse managers. This leads to poor leadership and the unprofessional atmosphere so many of us suffer.
As a male nurse, I am glad to see the numbers of men increasing. Certain areas of nursing, however do attract more guys such as ER and ICU. Having worked in trauma ICu and flight nursing, I have almost always worked with a lot of male nurses.
I think nursing may not be attractive to many guys out there because of the limited salary cap and the stigmas that surround the nursing profession. I think things will continue to evolve and more men will enter the profession. A good mixture of male and female nurses will strengthen the nursing profession as a whole.
bluesky,
I cannot believe you really are "unaware" of any lack of unity in the ranks of nursing.
If the profession is female dominated, and there is a lack of something, to who's feet should the problem be lain? Not blamed, but acknowledged to be a a contributor
I am not woman bashing, only stating an issue to which most of my female colleagues agree. The cliche " we eat our young" has been used by several ladies I work with. If more nurses were interested in organizing a "real" network of alliance then I would lean towards your opinion, but when I witness indecision over what color of scrubs the unit should have. I must stay with my conclusion that has repeated itself for over a decade.
I have worked in union facilities, and worked thru a union vote. I have seen real skepticism in my female counterparts when they are asked to commit to risk. Men traditionally have been risk takers, and that has led to better jobs. As long as women in nursing refuse to embrace the ideologies of unionization, then the profession will suffer.
I know some nurses who were instrumental in rallying support for unity. I must say that they were rare as well. I am sorry if I am irritating some with my statements, but they are based on truth, and experience in the ranks.
have to say I agree with medicine man- htere is a distinct lack of unity within our ranks! I spent many years as an ophthalmic nurse- and was always treated with distain by other nurses because they thought we did nothing (thats why my hands were so red they used to bleed!) Even now I am working in the community, hospital nurses seem to think that I work in general practice because its an easy option (I wish!) I am now an asthma specialist- so why is the newly appointed asthma liason nurse trying to set up asthma training day for me?? she hasnt actually spoken to me to find out at what level I am working- she has assumed that I know nothing! grrrrr sorry - this has turned into a vent, didnt mean it to!
what I am trying to say is that nursing is a female dominated profession- for what ever reason. I welcome men- they bring a new dimension and I think there is less in fighing when there are men around. But until nursing is taken seriously as a profession and we are paid accordinly with all the working conditions that go with it, men will remain a minority. lets face it, nurses are seen to be angels with a vocation who dont need to eat/pay bills ect(tongue firmly in cheek) so if we united as a profession and stopped all the in fighing maybe we might get that recogition. Then maybe we might get more men in the profession. We might also have more nurses of whatever shape, form, sex, colour! Over here, the last cohort of nurses to qualify locally was in June. Half the group have left the profession to join the police. Why? Because they can earn £10000/year more as a policeman! Plus the police get housing allowances, dental care, eye care. sadly it was mostly the men who left and I dont blame them. Just wish it didnt happen!
ok off the soap box!
Karen:D
happystudent, RN
552 Posts
I like your style.........Well put;)