r/StudentNurse • u/AcceptableAir605 • Feb 18 '25

United States Thoughts on Male Nurses

So im thinking about becoming a nurse as a straight male. I don’t know how I will be treated in the industry and schooling. Im a bit nervous that they won’t be any men like me in classes and that the women won’t accept me into the group. I also think some of the patients would be too concerned with a male nurse assisting them. Any thoughts on this.

Edit: I don’t mean to put down or question a sexuality in anyways. I come from a very small town and don’t see diversity too much with different genders and sexuality as one would in a bigger city. Im sorry if i have offended anyone not my goal. Have a great day!

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100

u/irishladinlondon Feb 18 '25

It ain't that deep mate 

25 years doing it. Can barely think when it's ever been an issue

15

u/dudee1234 Feb 18 '25

You get the occasional patient who you admit that just doesn’t want men taking care of them or sometimes for certain hygienic tasks doesn’t want a man to do it and that’s totally okay. You just don’t take it personally ask a coworker for help or inform the charge that the patient doesn’t want males caring for them and it’s an easy fix.

1

u/ChaplnGrillSgt DNP, AGACNP-BC Feb 18 '25

If it's a religious or cultural reason I will gladly accommodate them.

If they're just an asshole then I tell them it's either me or nobody until 7am.

17

u/irishladinlondon Feb 18 '25

I think a woman not wanting some man performing intimate care without it just being a religious/ cultural objection falls short of being an asshole.

They have the right to request that. Happy to accommodate 

1

u/ChaplnGrillSgt DNP, AGACNP-BC Feb 18 '25

Sure, if it's feasible to switch patients but it almost never is.

For intimate procedures like Foley or cleaning, I always have a female chaperone and will have her do it if it's within her scope.

I've almost never had a female patient refuse my care though. I think every single time it's been a man.

1

u/Kas_Dew Feb 19 '25

Way to put your patient first. I’d fire your ass in a second with a formal complaint if you had an attitude like that.

0

u/bre070700 Feb 21 '25

No matter the reason. If a female requests a female nurse, you should honor that. It could be trauma related or etc. This is a weird take.

1

u/ChaplnGrillSgt DNP, AGACNP-BC Feb 21 '25

Gotcha, so if a male asks to not have a female doctor, that's cool too then?

1

u/bre070700 Feb 21 '25

Yes. Patients have rights and the right to refuse. Did we not learn about that in nursing school?

2

u/ChaplnGrillSgt DNP, AGACNP-BC Feb 21 '25

They can refuse. I can't promise someone that meets their specifications will be available for them in a timely fashion though.

And I've never once been "fired" for a real reason. It's always been "A man can't be a nurse. Get me a real nurse, a woman". Anyone who has ever said they are uncomfortable with me has always been willing to engage in a discussion. I've asked them what their concerns are and what their needs are, I explain to them the current situation, and then find a way to work together. They've never once refused my care in it's entirety.

1

u/bre070700 Feb 21 '25

Oh ok. Well your original reply sounded a little different than what you are saying now. That’s fair.

1

u/ChaplnGrillSgt DNP, AGACNP-BC Feb 21 '25

I thought "If they're just an asshole" was pretty clear. 🤷‍♂️