Is anyone on-line a Male Nurse, or know someone who is?
I am a 35-year old male starting school in September working towards being an RN.
I was wondering if anyone has had any problems/issues working in a predominately female profession.
Any help would be great?
hi, I am a male nurse obviously from my name. I enjoy being a nurse and for the most part have been well accepted even in my area of interest. i think you will like it if you do it for the right reasons. don't do it for the money do it because you want to and enjoy working with and helping people.good luck.Mark
I see alot of men in the hospital. For some reason, "male nurse" just rubs me raw, though. I took the same boards as females and prefer just plain old "nurse, RN or hay-you". Do your absolute best in school because the nursing community and especially the docs are going to expect you to know everything.
The floors don't have as many men as they should (except the PCU usually has a few guys there), but critical care, cath lab, OR, and ER seem to have alot of guys working in them.
I wholeheartedly agree. Whether a person is a male or female, a nurse is a nurse. I have been a nurse for 25 years and still love what I do. There is nothing like helping someone deal with their illness. And we actually get paid to do it. What a deal!!!!!!!!!
Gary
Male nurses make up bout 3-7% of the nursing population depending on where you go. I've been in practice since 1997 and don't have any regrets.
Is there discrimination against men, depends on where you go. Many people see a male nurse and automatically think they are homosexually. Some nurses, especially from the "old school" may still hold the opinion that guys have no place in nursing, so they'll ride you harder. There's a thread and a section on male nurses in this forum: http://www.nursingdiscussions.com/male
Yea,it bugs me too. When people see (for 24 years)my name tag and say, "So you are a MALE nurse, huh? Why didn't you become a doctor?"...I want to scream BECAUSE I DID NOT WANT TO...hahha...AND YES I AM A MALE AND A NURSE.
But, over the years, I have learned they mean no harm, just used to take them back and they would wonder why I would become a nurse....a male in a female profession? I tell em and that settles it, usually. But I have really noticed the past 5 years, I don't get asked that anymore. Prob. because more males are in the field and I like that.
I met my wife in nursing school and nursing has MANY side benefits...hahah.....like meeting my wife.
I think we should consider another name, other than "nurse" as "nurse" came from an obvious source and is not descriptive of what we really do.
No wonder folks think of it as a female profession. Even it's name is female in origin.
So what is another name you can go by? Let's come up with some and we can start the buzz and see if we can get everyone to catch on.....it surly can't hurt to try...
I'm 24 with a bachelors in biology and I'm in my 2nd year of nursing school (graduating in may) I just came back from the hospital (we have clinical 2-3days a week) where I worked in the nursery with newbords today. I cant explain the feeling that you get, and it's not only in labor/delivery it's on almost all other units. It's that feeling that an accountant or a lawyer will hardly ever get. Oh yeh and no i'm not gay (to dismiss the above assumptions) I cant wait to graduate and get paid for doing what I love. By the way there are A LOT of guys in the program about 14 out of 70 in my graduating class and almost 40% out of the next years class (same size of 70) so yes there will be much more male nurses very soon. I actually think that the number might get as high as 50% in another 25-30 years.
I don't know what all the fuss is in regard to the title of a Male Nurse, which I'm very proud to be. My Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary defines nurse as 1. An individual who provides health care. The extent of participation varies from a simple patient-care tasks to the most expert professional techniques necessary in acute life-threatening situations. The ability of the nurse to function in making self-directed judgments and to act independently will depend on his or her professional background, motivation, and opportunity for professional development.
The word "nurse" was not used until the thirteenth century. It originated from the Latin term to nurture. Translations of non-English works prior to the early 1900's typically used the term "nurse" when referring to male health care providers. The first nursing school in the world was started in India in about 250 BC. Only men were considered "pure" enough to become nurses. During the Byzantine Empire nursing was a separate occupation practiced primarily by men.
In the New Testament, the good Samaritan paid the innkeeper to provide care for an injured man. No one thought it odd that a man should by paid to provide nursing care. In every plague that swept Europe men risked their lives to provide nursing care.
A group of men, the Parabolani, in 300 AD started a hospital and provided nursing care during the Black Plague epidemic.
In 1808, Lazaro Orranti and Martin Ortega were two men employed as the nurses at a hospital in San Antonio. The hospital employed only men as nurses.
In the middle 1800's England became embroiled in the Crimean War, and the United States fought the Civil War. During the Civil War both sides had military men serving as nurses although we only hear about the Union volunteers, who were predominately female. The Confederate Army identified thirty men per regiment to care for the wounded. The Union also had men in the military serving as nurses. Men, including Walt Whitman, served as volunteers.
Today men are resuming their historical role as caring, nurturing nurses, just as some women are resuming their roles as physicians. After a century as a predominately female profession nursing is changing again. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next century.
Well said MagRedC5. You made some excellent points of history and it really is nice to see the trend begin to equalize between genders. From what I have learned of history, in the 20th century nursing changed from a mostly nongender biased profession to becoming exclusively associated with females. The pendulum is swinging the other way now with more and more men becoming nurses.
However, in regard to the title Male Nurse; I feel that it is inappropriate. Especially when the term is capitalized in text. This implies that a man who is a nurse performs a different job than a woman. I don't mind being a nurse who is a male, but I don't like the term Male Nurse, nor do I like the term Female Nurse. It is not completely accurate. To make my point - If I was a male and I worked in a hospital that only cared for female patients would I then be a Female Nurse? As a nurse I take care of both males and females, so am I a Bi-gender Nurse? I know this is a small point, but I just wanted to show how silly it all is.
But aside from all that, a nurse is a nurse. There is no need to separate out male nurses from female nurses other than to make an issue of the individual nurse's gender. This opens the nurse up to prejudgement and is really unprofessional. The gender of a nurse is really irrelevant and any attempt to make it relevant reeks of sexism. This has no place in our field.
[ QUOTE ] Cammer said:
Well said MagRedC5. You made some excellent points of history and it really is nice to see the trend begin to equalize between genders. From what I have learned of history, in the 20th century nursing changed from a mostly nongender biased profession to becoming exclusively associated with females. The pendulum is swinging the other way now with more and more men becoming nurses.
However, in regard to the title Male Nurse; I feel that it is inappropriate. Especially when the term is capitalized in text. This implies that a man who is a nurse performs a different job than a woman. I don't mind being a nurse who is a male, but I don't like the term Male Nurse, nor do I like the term Female Nurse. It is not completely accurate. To make my point - If I was a male and I worked in a hospital that only cared for female patients would I then be a Female Nurse? As a nurse I take care of both males and females, so am I a Bi-gender Nurse? I know this is a small point, but I just wanted to show how silly it all is.
But aside from all that, a nurse is a nurse. There is no need to separate out male nurses from female nurses other than to make an issue of the individual nurse's gender. This opens the nurse up to prejudgement and is really unprofessional. The gender of a nurse is really irrelevant and any attempt to make it relevant reeks of sexism. This has no place in our field.
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Well, I can certainly respect your thoughts on dislike of the "Male Nurse" title. Yet, when I say I'm proud to be a Male Nurse it is like a public reminder that a male, just like a female, can be a nurse. I really enjoyed reading this article by Cathryn Domrose titled Men At Work. Go to this link... http://www.nurseweek.com/news/features/03-08/manenough.asp
Anyway, my point is the nursing profession should not be looked at as a feminine profession and by getting the "word" out that there are male nurses helps spread the "word". So, I don't think the title of Male Nurse implies a man does different nursing than that which females do. A male nurse, a female nurse, a Texas nurse, an Army nurse, a Navy nurse, etc. are all nurses no matter the gender.
BTW, just trying to get my viewpoint across. I do agree with you that a nurse is a nurse, no matter the gender.
I agree that the "male nurse" tag is not fair. For all the "women's rights" movement over the years, the fields with mostly women still carry the stereotype for men... do any of you watch Scrubs? That's one of the funniest shows on TV... they call the male nurses "Murse", which is quite funny!
I'm curious, would you be interested in contributing an article to our "Nurses' Views of The Nursing Profession" section? The topic is "Would you recommend nursing, why, or why not."
Im a male med-surg nurse and on my floor I am the only male RN. Well we have a very inappropriate male patient on the floor. I come into work yesterday and take an assignment. Well I didnt take this patient and my Nurse manager comes in (female) and states that your a male and you have to take this male patient, because he is saying inapproprate things to the female RN's. I tell her that what she just said was very inappropriate, because im a male RN I have to take any unruly male patients. So that would mean everytime I work I would have to take this patient, because im a man. Then today she says in a meeting that she has to protect her female staff!!!! Are you kidding me, I guess then being the only male, means im the odd man out. Or what if the patient was hispanic and made inappropriate comments about other races would that mean only the hispanic nurses would have to care for this patient. Any suggestions????????????
Its tough being a male RN sometimes....
If the inappropriate comments are sexual in nature I can kind of understand why she might think you'd be more able to deal with the client - but what if he was inappropriate with you- then I'd refuse stating that your protection as a "male" nurse should be just as important as the protection of the "female" nursing staff. That said, I think I definatly would have taken offense to that meeting myself.
I am female and think we should be treated as equal as possible but sometimes as nurses we get case assignments based on our sex to contribute to better care ie...an elderly woman with dementia hitting out at a male nurse and is fine with a female nurse - wouldn't it be easier and more logical for the female nurse to provide the care? or if a female was inappropriate with a male nurse but not a female nurse then yes it would make sense to assign the pt to the female nurse.
Don't know if this is any help but I thought your posting should have a response of some kind and I could tell you were frustrated. If it upsets you more I'm truly sorry.
Being a "female" nurse I'm sure I don't have all the issues some of my fellow nurses do. I want to say that I work with a number of nurses, both male and female. I have never felt any friction between us. I also graduated with 6 men and they were some of the brightest and best students in the class
September 20, 2004 (LINCOLN, Neb.), Male nurses pose for calendar:"The nurses in a new calendar may not be your idea of a pinup. They're all guys. More than 65 nurses applied to pose for the "Nebraska Men in Nursing 2005 Calendar." Twelve were chosen." http://abclocal.go.com/wls/news/strange/092004_ap_sn_calander.html
This sterotype of the GMN, just really makes me more nauseated than LPNs who think they can do everything an RN can do.. .. GMN.. gay male nurse.. I really cant stand working with GMNs.. Go into a another profession if your a GM.. dont go into nursing.. you just make the profession more pansy like..
Sir My grandson is gay and he is no pansy. His significant other is no pansy. I am not gay, my self. but buddy, you got some serious hate issues you should deal with if you are planning to be a nurse. I don't think you are a nurse, because most male nurses don't give this subject much thought.
[ QUOTE ] Patrick_T (T for Troll) said:
This sterotype of the GMN, just really makes me more nauseated than LPNs who think they can do everything an RN can do.. .. GMN.. gay male nurse.. I really cant stand working with GMNs.. Go into a another profession if your a GM.. dont go into nursing.. you just make the profession more pansy like..
[/ QUOTE ]
Well Patrick, it seems that you are a victim of stereotypes yourself. Are gay men pansy's? Not really, although a few that I have known over the years might be considered as such. But none of them were in nursing. I know of a couple gay men who are in nursing but by and large most of the men in nursing are definitely not gay. What is funny is the pansy types that I know who are in nursing are definitely NOT gay, they are straight as can be.
Back when I was a firefighter/paramedic I knew of a few guys that I worked with who were gay. None of them you'd ever guess was gay and they were good guys who I'd feel safe going into a structure fire with.
Don't fall victim to stereotypes Patrick. It makes you look foolish and closed-minded.
As far as "...make the profession more pansy like.." goes. Well personally I don't think this is a "pansy like" profession to begin with. If you were really a nurse then I'm sure you'd agree with me.
Hmm... you aren't even a nurse are you? Go troll somewhere else.
YA ,
My advise is to know as much as you can. Open your eyes, close your mouth and lead by doing not by talking.. I know it sounds harsh but for me being a male nurse on a critical cardio thorsic / trauma floor that is staffed by 99: female i sort of had to prove my self. Now that they have gotten to know me they have accepted me. Don't give up and stick to your beliefs. Good luck. Its a rewarding carear most of the time....
In a way I enjoy the social stigma. You must be secure in your manhood to answer the "what do you do for a living?" question in the same manner a plumber would.
The pay is great. They pay you well and by the hour. You can travel and they even find you an apartment.
I find focusing on the job as a job works well. You can be professional without acting like someone's mom.
HI, i am chris, i am 17 and i want to do nursing at Uni. Could you give me any tips on looking for a university and what i can expect? Thanks any advice is welcome.
Hi! My husband and I are nurses. He works in the SICU and I believe there are quite a few men working as nurses on that unit. Im in pediatrics and we have some men that are nurses as well. I think they are great caretakers, and very knowledgeable. Its definitely more common these days for a man to be a nurse.Be proud!
My wife and I are both RNs and her consensus is that as long as you can carry your weight and get your work done, she doesn't care if you're wearing boxers or panties
6 out of ever 100 nurses are males, would be nice to see that percentage increase.
I had someone today ask how my teaching was going told them fine and they said something about they couldn't teach young girls just out of highschool. I told them really in my class there aren't too many that are just out of highschool (one is 19, a few 21 then the rest a little older on up to mid 50's) and they aren't all girls there are a couple of males in the class...then the person said can a man be a nurse? Had to tell them yep they can
Some very nice posts in this thread- I should spend some time looking at nursing history again!
I also take exception to the term Male Nurse, for many years I answered that question with a simple no- and let them chew a minute before saying, I am a nurse.
I have always found it interesting that in the 70s when women made great strides breaking into male dominated profession there was no analogous use of the term "Female (profession" to the same degree as Male Nurse. There was no- "Oh!! you are a Female Doctor?" thing, at least not to the same degree and certainly has not persisted to the present.
To answer your question- I have been a nurse for 23 years- and I also recommend the threads in the male nursing forums on this site. There are some issues- but are easily dealt with
I have been in nursing since the early 70's. I started as a NA - challenged the LPN 1/2 way through my RN program. I have worked as a staff nurse, a head nurse, a supervisor and in administration. It is a great profession and can only get better as more males enter.
Hi Dave,
I am a female nursing student who will graduate in May. My father has been a male nurse since 1993. He is now the only male nursing instructor at my college. There are several male student nurses in my class. I really enjoy having males in the class. You have different perspectives and really are a great asset to any team. I would say, be the best you can. Realize that you may have some difficulties with pt. because of steriotypes but the same can occur with females. How many teenage boys want a female inserting a catheter? The important thing is to remain professional and also to not let other nurses use you as a lifter. Sometimes it happens that they want you to do the heavy work or something. Be helpful but don't let them run over you. I hope this helps.
I'd like to add that I have seen some wonderful male nurses in action and my father is one of them. I am VERY proud of him. Good luck.
S
Patrick_T wrote:This sterotype of the GMN, just really makes me more nauseated than LPNs who think they can do everything an RN can do.. .. GMN.. gay male nurse.. I really cant stand working with GMNs.. Go into a another profession if your a GM.. dont go into nursing.. you just make the profession more pansy like..
As a gay male nurse with a Masters degree, on his way to a PhD, I can tell you I'm not going anywhere except to a higher, better place than your bigotry will take you. We're here. Get used to it. All your hatred does is cause more problems than already exist in the world, and ruin the stereotype that all nurse are compassionate, caring people. By-the-way, I was also in the Army, an EMT, and am far from a pansy. I can promise you would lose hand-to-hand and wit-to-wit with me, being obviously insecure in both areas yourself!
In fact the original question on this link was about problems being a male in nursing. The most serious problems I've had in recent years have come from being a "gay nurse," but only when people start pushing and asking why I'm older and not wearing a wedding ring, and hitting on me. The women sometimes get mad that I'm masculine, brilliant, very good looking, and been with another man in a domestic partnership for going on 7 years. Then, of course, there are those men who want to get into a "pissing contest" over their masculinity because they're so insecure around someone gay and more masculine than they are.
The only real "male nurse problem" I had was in school in 1992 in NC, where some of the instructors thought men shouldn't be nurses, but go to med school, and told us outright. So, I finished my nursing degree elsewhere at a higher level than any of their educations reflected (they were all ADNs). Other than doing my Ob-Gyn when the instructor was specifically asking patients if it was "OK" to have a "male nursing student" (despite a team of male doctors in the room and not asking males if it was OK to have a female nursing student...). I called her on it and she stopped doing it, realizing how silly and discriminatory it was.
While the OP is old, it seems that the unique issues that men in the field of nursing experience are everpresent. My personal experiences as a man in the field are mostly positive with the rare preference for a female nurse to assist with those private functions. Of late meaning the last three to five years, my patients and their families seem to be largely indifferrent to my sex. I consider that a sign that the profession of nursing is becoming gender neutral. Yipee!
Now, on to more pertinent matters. Variegate, I am not gay so can't speak from personal experience but is sounds like you are strugging with being accepted as a gay man and not specifically as a male nurse. You even alluded to that yourself. You must know that this issue can vary in it's intensity depending on where you live, geographically speaking. I'm not suggesting that you and your partner "pull up stakes" and head for the nearest city but you may find better acceptance in a more cosmopolitan area. I live on the east coast just north of Boston and the gay and lesbian population is widely accepted. If I may press a little further, you go on to explain that while you are already possessed of higher degrees in nursing, you plan to complete your doctorate degree. This is all laudable effort but in your post, I sense that it is used to qualify yourself and to defend being a gay male nurse. Your education would serve you better if used to define you as a goal oriented individual irrespective of your orientation. Your sexuality doesn't need to be defended and your merits as a nurse don't need to be connected to your sexuality. I would encourage you to find a way to combine the following; your value as a person, as a nurse pursuing higher education and a person in a committed same-sex relationship. There really doesn't need to be a clash.
HI,
Just wanted to quote I am recently going to qualify in the UK - our title is Registered Nurse Adult and I have a job outlined on an orthopaedic ward, and I can't wait - it's both a scary thought but a rewarding one due to the hard work I have put in to obtain a BSc in Adult Nursing and Im only 20!!!.
I have received, like others some negatives about being a male nurse and at times have felt am I in the right job? can I actually be as good as a female colleague?
Im fine if your critically ill, hypovolaemic, returning from theatre - and all that other technical stuff!! but what disheartens me and isolates me is when I am caring for female patients and say one patient will ask my colleague, the assistant nurse to take her to the toilet, help her wash etc and not ask me!!!
I used to think is it bec im male? am i real nurse? - I love my job but feel so bad when patients ask for a female nurse et if a male doctor comes it's a totally differrent story!!!!
I hope in the next yr to enter medicine and achieve an all time dream of being a doctor, my nursing has taught me the art and science of caring and this is now embedded in me for ever
I wish all nurses, male or female the best of luck and hope the negatives we see are a thing of the past - however I think a male nurse is unable to fulfil the role at the level of which a femle can
I understand where you are coming from with the female patients but I understand that they may not feel comfortable with a man assisting them to the toilet or other things of that nature.
As far as doctors go, that's a different standard because most doctors are men, and it's a socially understood concept that doctors are men, just like nurses are women. Until you can change that perception in society, that issue will continue to exist.
I graduated from a 3 year R.N. diploma nursing school back in 1962 with 6 other guys and 35 girls. The odds were great and I look back on it as the best 3 years of my life. I worked all of the hospital areas and then up to night supervisor of a 500 bed trauma hospital. My first year after graduating I worked at a state psych hospital which I really enjoyed and thought I would like to make a career of that, but I got married, had kids, and I just was not making the money I needed to raise a young family so I went into anesthesia. I have been doing nurse anesthesia since 1967 and I am still working full time at a small rural critical access hospital in the U.P. of Michigan. I also do hypnosis part time which I've been doing since 1977 when I first became a certified hypnotherapist. Nursing and anesthesia have both been great careers, and now I am looking forward to retiring from anesthesia in 2-3 years and doing hypnotherapy and EFT full time. The great thing about nursing is that there are so many other things you can go into from nursing. A lot of guys go into anesthesia, some go into administration, and many stay in nursing because they really like it, and there is nothing wrong with that. Our DON really liked men in the nursing program, and wanted to see classes where half were men and half women. I never got teased about being a male nurse as my buddies suddenly realized that I knew a lot of very beautiful young student nurses, so I became a very popular guy...lol. You will never regret becoming a nurse as it will teach you about life, death, and everything in between. Most of our nursing class still gets together and we think we still look pretty good, even after so many years. We were a very close class, and we still all care very much about each other. Without nursing, I would not be where I am or who I am today......enjoy nursing school as it will be some of the best years of your life......
Just adding my $.02 worth, and actually am starting a thread making the same points I will mostly paraphrase here.
I recieved my RN in 1994 and have worked in MS, ICU, PCU, Psych, Neuro Rehab, Management, and ER for the last 5 yrs.
Have there been great times? Yes. Would I do it all over again? No way. Am I going to stay in the profession? Not a chance.
I can only speak for myself, but I have never worked in such a terrible field when it comes to jobs, and I didnt recieve my nursing degree until I was 34 yrs old.
I am to the point where I can no longer take the backstabbing, bickering, gossiping, and micromanaging I have experienced by females in every dept I have worked in.... I have worked for jerk males no doubt, but as long as you did a good job they left you alone. Not so in nursing.... And the kiss arse, micromanaging, domineering females that I always find one or two of in every job I have held, always seem to be rewarded and maintain their positions, or are promoted... I currently work in Florida, and will be quitting my contract early as it has gotten to the point where my attitude towards patients is failing my profession and what I swore I would never let happen.
Christof60 wrote:Just adding my $.02 worth, and actually am starting a thread making the same points I will mostly paraphrase here.
I recieved my RN in 1994 and have worked in MS, ICU, PCU, Psych, Neuro Rehab, Management, and ER for the last 5 yrs.
Have there been great times? Yes. Would I do it all over again? No way. Am I going to stay in the profession? Not a chance.
I can only speak for myself, but I have never worked in such a terrible field when it comes to jobs, and I didnt recieve my nursing degree until I was 34 yrs old.
I am to the point where I can no longer take the backstabbing, bickering, gossiping, and micromanaging I have experienced by females in every dept I have worked in.... I have worked for jerk males no doubt, but as long as you did a good job they left you alone. Not so in nursing.... And the kiss arse, micromanaging, domineering females that I always find one or two of in every job I have held, always seem to be rewarded and maintain their positions, or are promoted... I currently work in Florida, and will be quitting my contract early as it has gotten to the point where my attitude towards patients is failing my profession and what I swore I would never let happen.
I hope sincerely that my situation is unique.
I hope sincerely that you can find a nursing situation that appreciates your 14 yrs of nursing experience. BTW, I've always liked this poster & thought you might feel the same.
Aaron C. wrote:I understand where you are coming from with the female patients but I understand that they may not feel comfortable with a man assisting them to the toilet or other things of that nature.
As far as doctors go, that's a different standard because most doctors are men, and it's a socially understood concept that doctors are men, just like nurses are women. Until you can change that perception in society, that issue will continue to exist.
IMHO, once society changes its gender-bias perception of the nursing profession, or health care profession in general, WE will all benefit.
Christof60 wrote:Just adding my $.02 worth, and actually am starting a thread making the same points I will mostly paraphrase here.
I recieved my RN in 1994 and have worked in MS, ICU, PCU, Psych, Neuro Rehab, Management, and ER for the last 5 yrs.
Have there been great times? Yes. Would I do it all over again? No way. Am I going to stay in the profession? Not a chance.
I can only speak for myself, but I have never worked in such a terrible field when it comes to jobs, and I didnt recieve my nursing degree until I was 34 yrs old.
I am to the point where I can no longer take the backstabbing, bickering, gossiping, and micromanaging I have experienced by females in every dept I have worked in.... I have worked for jerk males no doubt, but as long as you did a good job they left you alone. Not so in nursing.... And the kiss arse, micromanaging, domineering females that I always find one or two of in every job I have held, always seem to be rewarded and maintain their positions, or are promoted... I currently work in Florida, and will be quitting my contract early as it has gotten to the point where my attitude towards patients is failing my profession and what I swore I would never let happen.
I hope sincerely that my situation is unique.
Hi Christof,
You've been at it a long time and from the sound of it, kicked around a lot. I've worked in many of the same places that you have and experienced the dynamics so really understand what you're saying. Healthcare workers are under a lot of stress anyway but these areas in particular see enormously high stress/burnout rates and behaviors reflect that. People aren't their best when chronically run down. I'd venture to guess too, that if we were to put only men or only women together under the same conditions, the communication may be different but likely just as poor.
In short friend, I wonder if it may be the effects of burnout eating away at you more than working with cranky women. Before you throw all that hard earned experience away, turn your back on something that you're good at and otherwise enjoy, consider a working in a totally different environment for awhile. Even though each has it's own set of issues, areas like outpatient cardiac rehab, marketing/sales, industrial/occupational nursing are very different and change is good. Think about it.
You've been at it a long time and from the sound of it, kicked around a lot. I've worked in many of the same places that you have and experienced the dynamics so really understand what you're saying. Healthcare workers are under a lot of stress anyway but these areas in particular see enormously high stress/burnout rates and behaviors reflect that. People aren't their best when chronically run down. I'd venture to guess too, that if we were to put only men or only women together under the same conditions, the communication may be different but likely just as poor.
In short friend, I wonder if it may be the effects of burnout eating away at you more than working with cranky women. Before you throw all that hard earned experience away, turn your back on something that you're good at and otherwise enjoy, consider a working in a totally different environment for awhile. Even though each has it's own set of issues, areas like outpatient cardiac rehab, marketing/sales, industrial/occupational nursing are very different and change is good. Think about it.
Good luck,
R
Thanks for the kind thoughts.. I'm sure that burnout is a factor, simply the fact that the current medical model is broken beyond repair, no one really wants to fix it, and the ER is now the local clinic PLUS a life saving facility (at the same time), it figures that burnout is a given...
That aside, I have worked in high-stress fields before, but I have never dealt with as much pettyness, or controlling people as I have in this field. To put it bluntly, if a male were to treat me the way many female nurses have in the past, and do so in the present, we would have "taken a trip to the parking lot".
Just yesterday, the charge RN I unfortunately work with every weekend, belittled me and shouted "get a clue man, what is wrong with you" in front of the MD, PA-C, Staff, and Patients/families.
Now many would ask "why dont you do something about it, report it, file a complaint?"... Seems logical. But the current facility I work at did nothing when a Physician cursed me and slapped me in the back of the head during a conscience sedation procedure... No apology, not even an acknowledgement by HR or the high ups. But let a patient complain?? The CEO will personally write them a letter and fall all over himself.. I did tell the DON about it, simply to let her know it happened, and if it happened again "I will knock him out, no matter what we are doing".
So, to sum up, I could easily handle the stress, or idiot doctors, or uncaring administration, or mean ass nurses with chips on their shoulders... But not all at the same time.. I am too old and been thru way too much in my life to put up with this any longer (on my own since 16, been working since 12).
I hope to go back to school next fall, for US tech.. After thinking alot about what I could do, they seem to have a pretty good thing going as far as medical jobs.. 20-25 min test, print it out, fax to radiologist, pt back to room... Sounds pretty good to me...
SoldierNurse wrote: I hope sincerely that you can find a nursing situation that appreciates your 14 yrs of nursing experience. BTW, I've always liked this poster & thought you might feel the same.
Thanks man... Good ol' Ft Lewis... Did a stint there (I am from Seattle).. My wife was an Air Force Nurse, and wishes she had stayed in. Says it was a whole different world, with much more respect given to nurses, and males appreciated by all, treated equally..
She also is burned out after 22 yrs as an L&D nurse, and is currently in school so she can quit nursing.
I'm telling you, somethings gotta give in this field, or the shortage hasnt even started yet..
Best of luck in your career Captain.. :shades_smile:
Christof60 wrote:Thanks man... Good ol' Ft Lewis... Did a stint there (I am from Seattle).. My wife was an Air Force Nurse, and wishes she had stayed in. Says it was a whole different world, with much more respect given to nurses, and males appreciated by all, treated equally..
She also is burned out after 22 yrs as an L&D nurse, and is currently in school so she can quit nursing.
I'm telling you, somethings gotta give in this field, or the shortage hasnt even started yet..
Best of luck in your career Captain.. :shades_smile:
I can relate to everyone's stories, and I am sure we could all get together around the table at a restaurant and bar and tell each other loads of them. It definitely has been challenging for years, and each job I have had; I have encountered a different issue. It isn't going to go away. I have been a nurse for 20 yrs. My issues center more around being and LPN instead of an R.N.; but that said; it comes to the point after so long, that you just decide to take control of your own destiny. You have to be able to work at your job and do what you love, and if there is interference from the bleachers, it can be difficult. I tend to just leave or not return to a job if it gets too bad; I don't job hop...but when the opportunity comes up for me to go somewhere else, I do. I can, because I choose to do what I love and not have to rely on a particular employer to pay me or provide me with the "perfect" package. I want employers and co-workers to realize that I may be replaceable as a staff member, but they cannot find another person to give the care, and support and team work I provide...and that is my focus whenever I work somewhere. I emphasize my work ethics, my ability to take good care of the patients, regardless of work conditions; and my feelings on teamwork. Good luck whatever you decide. I have been at this a long time too, 20 years...so I have seen alot and dealt with alot. But you will come to a point where you will be more in control of the situation...you'll see. Best of luck, ruby 43.
I agree about all the BS you have to put up with, but I have not experienced it being all from female nurses. I work with a male nurse ass kisser who is in charge of our peri-operative dept., but he should not be as he is lazy and doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground. But he knows which asses to kiss in the administration dept. and he doesn't hesitate to exercise his lips. Since I've been a CRNA for over 40 years, I have learned to deal with pains in the ass, whether they be doctors or staff.
You can't let it get to you and take away your enjoyment of doing a good job whether in nursing or anesthesia. There are always going to be people like that around, and sooner or later it catches up with them and bites them in the ass. I have to deal with a couple of women who are the same way, but fortunately I don't have to very often. Also, I am on short time, so I feel that I can deal with just about anything, and the nice thing about it is if worse comes to worse and I have to leave, I have a lot of other options since now there is a great demand for CRNAs of my vintage since most of them are already retired. As General Stillwell said, "Don't let the bastards grind you down" I try to make that a part of my daily philosophy and it seems to help to remember that. But then opinions are like assholes...everybody has one......
ruby43 wrote:I can relate to everyone's stories, and I am sure we could all get together around the table at a restaurant and bar and tell each other loads of them. It definitely has been challenging for years, and each job I have had; I have encountered a different issue. It isn't going to go away. I have been a nurse for 20 yrs. My issues center more around being and LPN instead of an R.N.; but that said; it comes to the point after so long, that you just decide to take control of your own destiny. You have to be able to work at your job and do what you love, and if there is interference from the bleachers, it can be difficult. I tend to just leave or not return to a job if it gets too bad; I don't job hop...but when the opportunity comes up for me to go somewhere else, I do. I can, because I choose to do what I love and not have to rely on a particular employer to pay me or provide me with the "perfect" package. I want employers and co-workers to realize that I may be replaceable as a staff member, but they cannot find another person to give the care, and support and team work I provide...and that is my focus whenever I work somewhere. I emphasize my work ethics, my ability to take good care of the patients, regardless of work conditions; and my feelings on teamwork. Good luck whatever you decide. I have been at this a long time too, 20 years...so I have seen alot and dealt with alot. But you will come to a point where you will be more in control of the situation...you'll see. Best of luck, ruby 43.
I'm a little confused. How can you relate to being a male nurse?
SoldierNurse wrote:I'm a little confused. How can you relate to being a male nurse?
She has a lot to say and there are many things we all have in common but I don't think she has first hand knowledge of what it's like being a male nurse.
Hello all...
I'm currently a student nurse, and work in an SICU as an assistant, which is great experience. For the most part things run smoothly, but I've found that the older 20 or more year nurses tend to be less accepting. I've always attributed this to the phenomenon of nurses eating their young and not my maleness. However, I'm sure if I were female I would have less problems.
One in particular consistently talks **** about me and gets more upset when I dish it back as if I were going to stand their and take it, maybe I'm expected too
njohnso4 wrote:Hello all...
I'm currently a student nurse, and work in an SICU as an assistant, which is great experience. For the most part things run smoothly, but I've found that the older 20 or more year nurses tend to be less accepting. I've always attributed this to the phenomenon of nurses eating their young and not my maleness. However, I'm sure if I were female I would have less problems.
One in particular consistently talks **** about me and gets more upset when I dish it back as if I were going to stand their and take it, maybe I'm expected too
njohnso4 wrote:Hello all...
I'm currently a student nurse, and work in an SICU as an assistant, which is great experience. For the most part things run smoothly, but I've found that the older 20 or more year nurses tend to be less accepting. I've always attributed this to the phenomenon of nurses eating their young and not my maleness. However, I'm sure if I were female I would have less problems.
One in particular consistently talks **** about me and gets more upset when I dish it back as if I were going to stand their and take it, maybe I'm expected too
Hey bearded,
I think you may be right on most accounts. Nurses frequently do eat their young. Sometimes those older, traditionalist, nurses do prefer female colleagues but not all. This is just my observation but for complicated social reasons, many of them unfair, being male will sometimes prove to be advantageous in specialty areas like critical care, emergency care, orthopedic surgery, and inpatient psychiatric care. At least for a little while longer, being male in the field of nursing will make you a novelty but it's up to you to make that a good thing.
The part of your statement that makes me wince is where you speak about "dishing it back." I can understand how you might want to put those nurses in their place and would even go so far as to say that you could be justified in doing so but, please don't. We are all adults and our behavior should reflect that but it gets strange when there are adult students and adult teachers. Those roles definitely fit some better than others. Things don't automatically improve with graduation and passing the boards, either. There is a transition period and it varies somewhat but you can expect it to take about a year before you really feel right in your nursing skin. Being a newbie is challenging on it's best day but you will not be a newbie forever. In fact, it won't be long at all before you are trailing your own students around the unit. Do yourself the favor now, of taking the high road. Do your job well and learn everything you can. Be agreeable but not ingratiating. Stay out of the politics. Finally, and for the future, strive to remember what this feels like.
I'm starting ADN in 10 days.
I don't really have a story, except for one.
It was the nursing orientation, and f****, I did stand out.
Not only I am a dude, I was the youngest one. The speaker was announcing how diverse the age group was. She started at 21-31 and said how many people were in that age group, then 31-41 and so on. I'm 18, I felt left out. on the bright side (according to the speaker) there is a good gender ratio which is 10:57
I don't really give a dam on the stereotype that is going to be placed on me. I care about the crap load of homework. I just bought the books for this semester and they had to get a box so I can carry it. $800 :(
I'm starting ADN in 10 days.
I don't really have a story, except for one.
It was the nursing orientation, and f****, I did stand out.
Not only I am a dude, I was the youngest one. The speaker was announcing how diverse the age group was. She started at 21-31 and said how many people were in that age group, then 31-41 and so on. I'm 18, I felt left out. on the bright side (according to the speaker) there is a good gender ratio which is 10:57
I don't really give a dam on the stereotype that is going to be placed on me. I care about the crap load of homework. I just bought the books for this semester and they had to get a box so I can carry it. $800 :(
Hey Aldrich,
Welcome to the field of nursing. You're in for quite a ride but you will do well if you keep focused and work hard. You shouldn't get a whole lot in the stereotype area but it may feel a little strange being a relatively uncommon male. You will adjust if you let go of any preconceived notions- we all have them.
I have been a nurse for 25 yrs. When I went to school the New York Times did a article about my class because we had 25% guys. Being a guy in nursing is uncomfortable in the beginning but when you see how you can help people in their time of need you slowly begin to see what a great profession you have been called to. Good luck
In critical care, especially flight nursing; the split between males and females is pretty even, so I havent really felt the brunt of the judgement of the general public. Then again, I do have patient's family members every now and then that call out "Doctor"; and wonder why I dont turn around, lol.
They sometimes ask me, are you a resident or an intern, but that is about it.
Think of it like this fellas. If pulling in what we pull in makes us sissies, so be it. The truth is, nurses make good salaries, and rightfully so given the amount of time we have dedicated to training and the responsibilities we shoulder. I am proud to be a nurse, and when I enroll in med school; I will still keep my RN active, although I might not work that many shifts as an RN.
Robert F wrote:In critical care, especially flight nursing; the split between males and females is pretty even, so I havent really felt the brunt of the judgement of the general public. Then again, I do have patient's family members every now and then that call out "Doctor"; and wonder why I dont turn around, lol.
They sometimes ask me, are you a resident or an intern, but that is about it.
Think of it like this fellas. If pulling in what we pull in makes us sissies, so be it. The truth is, nurses make good salaries, and rightfully so given the amount of time we have dedicated to training and the responsibilities we shoulder. I am proud to be a nurse, and when I enroll in med school; I will still keep my RN active, although I might not work that many shifts as an RN.
No sir, once you become an MD you will practice under the medical model. So, rather than keep your RN license when that day comes just always be an advocate for RNs after you become a Doc.
Well yes, once I get my M.D., I will be required to practice to the standards of a medical doctor. However, I do not have to let my RN lapse. There are a couple of docs at Vanderbilt who started as Paramedics and continued to hold on to their license. I worked too hard for that RN to let it lapse, lol.
Robert F wrote:Well yes, once I get my M.D., I will be required to practice to the standards of a medical doctor. However, I do not have to let my RN lapse. There are a couple of docs at Vanderbilt who started as Paramedics and continued to hold on to their license. I worked too hard for that RN to let it lapse, lol.
I'm thinking you will work even harder to achieve MD. ;)
Robert F wrote:In critical care, especially flight nursing; the split between males and females is pretty even, so I havent really felt the brunt of the judgement of the general public. Then again, I do have patient's family members every now and then that call out "Doctor"; and wonder why I dont turn around, lol.
They sometimes ask me, are you a resident or an intern, but that is about it.
Think of it like this fellas. If pulling in what we pull in makes us sissies, so be it. The truth is, nurses make good salaries, and rightfully so given the amount of time we have dedicated to training and the responsibilities we shoulder. I am proud to be a nurse, and when I enroll in med school; I will still keep my RN active, although I might not work that many shifts as an RN.
I usually get called doctor once per clincal rotation.
You can call me nurse, you can call me male nurse, you can call me Sir, you can even call me Bubba. However, that does not change who and what I am. I am a nurse who golfs, or a golfer who nurses to support his golf.Or a nurse who golfs to mentally prepare himself to nurse.
With a little sky diving thrown in for excitement.
I go by nurse, or male nurse, I tell people my first name only, I don't give them my last name for safety reasons, I'm your nurse for the day. Thats all. They need their medicine, treatments, really if you present your self as prepared and confidant you'll do fine. The world needs more male nurses. Welcome to the fold.
Scarecrow, IMHO the patients have a right to know your full name. You know the patient's full name. I'm surprised your not required to wear your employee badge in plain view?
I take no issue with giving pts my full name. I am a good nurse and take good care of them and I do not worry at all about them knowing who I am. In fact I prefer they do know my name. So they know exactly who it is giving them good care. It is also simpler this way. I like simple. That is why I like GW Bush. You cant get any simpler than GWB.
I believe there are good points to be made on both sides of the full name displayed discussion. I use my full name on my badge and if they can't read it, don't mind people asking me what my name is. I have had a few experiences though, that have made me wonder if I'm being safe enough.
We all love to see former patients. Usually they stop in and visit us at work but on more than one occasion, I was contacted at home. Basically, I've been stalked, but in a good way. The communication was positive and I appreciated it but that it was uninvited and at home bothered me a little.
I work in ICU and as per usual, many patients die. The nurse interfaces with people in extreme conditions; grief, terror, guilt, you name it and it leaves an impact. Hopefully, a good one. Anyway, fortunately, I didn't have to do anything to end the contact but, what if it went on? What if the motive was revenge?
The bottom line is this, in both cases, these people found me by knowing my name. If it were just me by myself, it would be different but I have a wife and kids to think about. I know that I could change my number or have it unlisted but I'd rather not have to go through the trouble. It's what I will do if I get contacted at home again.
daveyaud wrote:Is anyone on-line a Male Nurse, or know someone who is?
I am a 35-year old male starting school in September working towards being an RN.
I was wondering if anyone has had any problems/issues working in a predominately female profession.
Any help would be great?
I am a male that works as a nurse. I provide nursing to males AND women though. As an LVN that is working on BSN, I find it to be to my advantage to be a male in nursing.
I am physicaly stronger, I am emotionaly more even keeled(dont have the ups and downs), dont get caught up in the petty stuff as easily as some, am often able to get patients to cooperate with me when they wont with a female nurse, am single and surrounded by intelligent and attractive women nurses all day.
I know some of what I listed sounds a little sexist but these are things that female nurses told me would be advantages before I even got into nursing and they were right. It is good to be a male in nursing. I believe being a male is one thing that helped get me my first job. The DON likes to have men on the floor as well as women each shift. Some patients prefer a male nurse and some prefer a female.
I don't know what all the fuss is in regard to the title of a Male Nurse, which I'm very proud to be. My Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary defines nurse as 1. An individual who provides health care. The extent of participation varies from a simple patient-care tasks to the most expert professional techniques necessary in acute life-threatening situations. The ability of the nurse to function in making self-directed judgments and to act independently will depend on his or her professional background, motivation, and opportunity for professional development.
The word "nurse" was not used until the thirteenth century. It originated from the Latin term to nurture. Translations of non-English works prior to the early 1900's typically used the term "nurse" when referring to male health care providers. The first nursing school in the world was started in India in about 250 BC. Only men were considered "pure" enough to become nurses. During the Byzantine Empire nursing was a separate occupation practiced primarily by men.
In the New Testament, the good Samaritan paid the innkeeper to provide care for an injured man. No one thought it odd that a man should by paid to provide nursing care. In every plague that swept Europe men risked their lives to provide nursing care.
A group of men, the Parabolani, in 300 AD started a hospital and provided nursing care during the Black Plague epidemic.
In 1808, Lazaro Orranti and Martin Ortega were two men employed as the nurses at a hospital in San Antonio. The hospital employed only men as nurses.
In the middle 1800's England became embroiled in the Crimean War, and the United States fought the Civil War. During the Civil War both sides had military men serving as nurses although we only hear about the Union volunteers, who were predominately female. The Confederate Army identified thirty men per regiment to care for the wounded. The Union also had men in the military serving as nurses. Men, including Walt Whitman, served as volunteers.
Today men are resuming their historical role as caring, nurturing nurses, just as some women are resuming their roles as physicians. After a century as a predominately female profession nursing is changing again. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next century.
Question, if during the Crimean War, England had male nurses, how come Florence Nightingale makes no mention of males as nurses. Actually, in her 1860 "Notes on Nursing: what it is and what is not" she states: "Every woman, or least almost every woman, in England has ,at one time or another of her life, charge of the personal health of somebody, whether child or invalid, --in other words, every woman is a nurse.".
Please, educate me. Have I missed or misread Miss Nightingale?
In the Middle Ages, 'nursing' was done by religious orders. I know I posted on that somewhere.....just don't remember where, though. Probably this post. :rolleyes:
studentoflife wrote:Question, if during the Crimean War, England had male nurses, how come Florence Nightingale makes no mention of males as nurses. Actually, in her 1860 "Notes on Nursing: what it is and what is not" she states: "Every woman, or least almost every woman, in England has ,at one time or another of her life, charge of the personal health of somebody, whether child or invalid, --in other words, every woman is a nurse.".
Please, educate me. Have I missed or misread Miss Nightingale?
Hey Student,
No, you quoted Miss Mightingale correctly but you may have interpreted her statement to mean that ONLY women performed acts of nursing. I agree that men aren't specifically mentioned in the passage as working in the role of nurse and may not have been called "nurse" back then but they did function in that capacity.
I believe there are good points to be made on both sides of the full name displayed discussion. I use my full name on my badge and if they can't read it, don't mind people asking me what my name is. I have had a few experiences though, that have made me wonder if I'm being safe enough.
We all love to see former patients. Usually they stop in and visit us at work but on more than one occasion, I was contacted at home. Basically, I've been stalked, but in a good way. The communication was positive and I appreciated it but that it was uninvited and at home bothered me a little.
I work in ICU and as per usual, many patients die. The nurse interfaces with people in extreme conditions; grief, terror, guilt, you name it and it leaves an impact. Hopefully, a good one. Anyway, fortunately, I didn't have to do anything to end the contact but, what if it went on? What if the motive was revenge?
The bottom line is this, in both cases, these people found me by knowing my name. If it were just me by myself, it would be different but I have a wife and kids to think about. I know that I could change my number or have it unlisted but I'd rather not have to go through the trouble. It's what I will do if I get contacted at home again.
Wow! I searched for rn jobs in male only areas and stumbled here! I was looking to see if any nurse felt like me!
I, too, earned an rn degree later in life when i was 33 and i have never been so disappointed working with women. As the gentleman stated there is backstabbing and bickering galore in this female predominant profession. It seems i cannot find a place that is peaceful and where i can trust my colleagues. I have been "called on the carpet" so many times because of something i've said that got back to the boss and i ended up being counseled, put on probation---quite simply, my jobs seem always to be
threatened somehow. It seems females are continually focusing their feelings. I am no longer comfortable in this work; one has to constantly be on pins and needles with what they say every second in mixed company.
Sorry to hear that you've had so much trouble. I suppose there may be places out there where only male healthcare professionals work but I can't think of any. I'm curious about a few things, what did you do before changing careers and afterward, what area(s)of nursing have you worked in?
I ask because the switch into nursing will be more challenging for some guys depending on what work environment they are accustomed to and the second part of the question has to do with areas where guys seem to gravitate. We work everywhere but prefer areas like critical care, emergency and telemetry.
We have to take the time to look around and find our place. Usually we land on what we don't like first but when we hit our stride, we're happy and crap around us doesn't bother us as much. Meanwhile, continue to post here, we got your back and not with a knife. Think about the rubber room thread too, it's a good place to really unload. We've all been there before.
A long time ago, I knew a guy who worked nights in the newborn nursery. He was a young newlywed and had no kids yet but he loved babies and was very good with them. His female colleagues liked him very much and the place ran well.
czecher1 wrote:Wow! I searched for rn jobs in male only areas and stumbled here! I was looking to see if any nurse felt like me!
I, too, earned an rn degree later in life when i was 33 and i have never been so disappointed working with women. As the gentleman stated there is backstabbing and bickering galore in this female predominant profession. It seems i cannot find a place that is peaceful and where i can trust my colleagues. I have been "called on the carpet" so many times because of something i've said that got back to the boss and i ended up being counseled, put on probation---quite simply, my jobs seem always to be
threatened somehow. It seems females are continually focusing their feelings. I am no longer comfortable in this work; one has to constantly be on pins and needles with what they say every second in mixed company.
Well, I sat here and typed a long reply to your post and in the end just deleted it. I will sum it up; Yep, I can totaly understand where you are coming from!
No, you quoted Miss Mightingale correctly but you may have interpreted her statement to mean that ONLY women performed acts of nursing. I agree that men aren't specifically mentioned in the passage as working in the role of nurse and may not have been called "nurse" back then but they did function in that capacity.
R
Well, after a little while lurking I finally decided to register and start posting....
The reason men aren't specifically mentioned by Florence (great administrator, not such a great nurse...) Nightingale is that the British (note, not English, lets not forget the Welsh/Scottish/N.Irish) army designated those men performing 'nursing' roles as orderlies/medics. As such they don't show up as nurses in the history... interestingly, being as we're discussing gender, male nurses in the British Army served (untill 1992) in a different corps to female nurses! I wonder how it works/worked in the USA?
Anyways, hi all...
The (USA) Army Nurse Corps was established in 1901. However, not until AUG 1955 were males authorized reserve commissions for male nurses in the ANC. Then, not until 11 years later [30 SEP 1966] Public Law 89-609 authorized regular commissions for males in the Army Nurse Corps.
Also, (Active Component) Army Nurse Corps officers are at minimum BSN. Whereas, LVNs & medics (EMT) are enlisted Soldiers.
Thanks soldiernurse, always nice to see how others do it! Have a few friends currently serving in the QUARANC (Queen Alexandrias Nursing Corps) over here with one or two currently deployed on active service...
Stay safe.
Cymro wrote:Thanks Soldiernurse, always nice to see how others do it! Have a few friends currently serving in the QUARANC (Queen Alexandrias Nursing Corps) over here with one or two currently deployed on active service...
Stay safe.
Cymro,
Nursing knows no boundaries, especially regards to Allied Military nurses. While deployed to Iraq for 15 months I had the pleasure of working with Romanian nurses in our ICU, one of which was a male nurse.
BTW, feel free to visit our Military Nursing Forum section. Again, welcome to Ultimate Nurse!
daveyaud wrote:Is anyone on-line a Male Nurse, or know someone who is?
I am a 35-year old male starting school in September working towards being an RN.
I was wondering if anyone has had any problems/issues working in a predominately female profession.
Any help would be great?
daveyaud,
I treasure my nursing license. My only regret is maybe not going the PA route back in the early 90's when I first started college. Nonetheless, proud to be an RN, especially a military critical care nurse. Yes, the nursing profession is predominantly female (around 93% civilian & 75% in the military). Yet, in my 16+ years in the healthcare field only once that I can remember being a male nurse an issue. Years ago when I first started RN career as a Telemetry nurse one of my elderly (female) patients preferred a female nurse. This request was made early in my shift and clearly gender was the issue. I have found in most cases both female nurses & patients are more concerned with the nursing care being provided & not the gender. In fact, often times a male nurse is preferred.
It's all about professionalism, not one's anatomy ;)
I also thought about PA school. Didn't do it and I am glad. We have PA's in the ER. I have that PA stands for Passive Aggressive. or maybe Pompous Arse. Basically wannabes with a bad attitude. When they are just glorified suture techs.
I'm flipping a coin right now whether to become a NP or PA. For awhile, I was looking at becoming a critical care PA with the intensivists that I currently work with or a surgical PA targeting a certain thoracic surgeon who I really resonate with. Both practices said they would take me on, too, but I really am quite tired of hospital-based medicine and want now to work more in preventive care. Currently the NP certification is in the lead because of wanting to do private practice and as a PA in this arena, you're working under somebody elses license and doing their scut work more than anything else. I'll keep you posted.
