Male LPN/RN question?

Question

i am thinking about going for my LPN or RN.how is being a male nurse is it awkward dealing and bathing female patients.do the patients have a problem with it?thanks

Answer 1

As a female, I refuse to see a male doctor for anything below my neck.  My only health care providers who are males are dentist and eye doctor.  So I would not like for a male nurse to do anything that "personal" with me-- to the point that in a hospital stay situation I would request to have a female nurse to these things.  .  I would not, however, have a problem with things like blood pressure, blood work, or any other simple clothes-on procedures.  That being said, I would think that men, esp. elderly ones, might prefer to have a male nurse for personal things like bathing.  

Answer 2

Although I am a female, I am also a nurse and this is my experience.  

It is very unusual for a male nurse to provide peri-care for a female without supervision for the nurse's protection.  Otherwise, it is a thing that you just learn to deal with.  You get to where the human body is your area of expertise and you don't pay attention to what it is you're washing, you just wash it.  I've given peri-care to males and have had erections occur and believe me, it is more difficult for the male  than it is on me.  Some patients will refuse care from a male, especially if they are female, shy, untrusting, whatever.  However, male nurses are in high demand and often will get better pay than female nurses (trying to balance the field and all).  

If you feel nursing is your calling, go for it.  I've been a patient and could care less who's taking care of me, as long as I'm getting good care.  But then again, I have two kids and no modesty remaining! haha.  

Good luck!