Male Nurses

[skyking]

Originally posted by: DeathBUA
Hmm...so I'm male and in 4 months I'll be an RN. I'm already a student nurse working at a inner city trauma hospital....

I'm certainly not gay. And most of the male nurses I work with are not gay. Most are married with a couple kids. I know 2 of them who are gay.

The stigma isnt about you are gay if you are a male nurse it is more the idea that you are just wiping ass all day which is NOT true. But then again most male nurses work in ER, OR, or ICU for the action. I know thats why I am working in the ER...for the action, the speed, the trauma.

It does get to you, no doubt it will change me at some point though I try my hardest not to. Sometimes when you see someone shot execution style in the head...or anyone who was shot, or any younger life end it's tough. Moreso when violence or trauma is involved but you just have to learn to stand back and not get attached and say to yourself at least it wasnt me. If anything you learn to appreciate just being alive and you learn to appreciate the things that really matter in life.

And money....when I graduate I'll start off making about 50K before taxes and thats if I worked straight 40 hours. Reality is I have all the overtime I want so I'll make probably 60K. Not bad for 21 year old guy.

Depending on what department and your geographic location, OT could push you into 80K.....

 

[yllus]

It's certainly not a career line that labels you as gay, but I wouldn't wish it upon many. Anecdotal evidence seems to suggest that the male amongst the nurses always ends up getting nominated to haul around the really heavy stuff, and in general take on a disproportionate amount of physical labour.

 

[animalia]

Originally posted by: Flyback
Years ago I worked in a hospital (as a security guard).



My advice? Become a paramedic. You don't get attached and the thrill is nuts. I would go out and chill with the paramedics when they reloaded up their trucks and got ready for their next calls. I didn't find a single one of them to dislike their job--most had been there for a long time and they were among the most pleasant people I dealt with at the whole hospital. You have a constantly new "office" in that you are always going to different places. You can feel that you help people, but you don't have to sit around and watch sh!t hit the fan in the ER--your job is to get them there as alive as possible, then it becomes the burden of the Gods (aka Doctors). Pay is good in most places too, and you require less education than a nurse. Here, nurses require a 4 year degree. Paramedics can get in with a 2 year program from a few local (read: cheaper) colleges. The only major downside is that you are a responder to accidents, trauma, etc. You can get messed up just the same as you would in a hospital in that regard I guess.

that's funny you say that because I am starting my training to become an EMT-B in one week so I can eventually be a paramedic. I was just curious about male nurses. I can't wait to get out in the field. I have a non-pristine driving record from when I was 17 (only one year ago) that may affect me getting a job, so I might have to work as an ER Tech. You should see my textbooks for the EMT class (1 huge book, I huge workbook, and 1 small workbook. lots of material.)

edit - some ambulances alternate drivers. some don't. So I may get lucky. The pay I think is pretty much about the same or a little less than that of an elementary school teacher. That is just what I think. Salary.com's 25th percentile for my area is like 31K and for NYC it's 39K, keep in mind 25th percentile means 75% make more.

 

[TraumaRN]

Originally posted by: skyking

Originally posted by: DeathBUA
Hmm...so I'm male and in 4 months I'll be an RN. I'm already a student nurse working at a inner city trauma hospital....

I'm certainly not gay. And most of the male nurses I work with are not gay. Most are married with a couple kids. I know 2 of them who are gay.

The stigma isnt about you are gay if you are a male nurse it is more the idea that you are just wiping ass all day which is NOT true. But then again most male nurses work in ER, OR, or ICU for the action. I know thats why I am working in the ER...for the action, the speed, the trauma.

It does get to you, no doubt it will change me at some point though I try my hardest not to. Sometimes when you see someone shot execution style in the head...or anyone who was shot, or any younger life end it's tough. Moreso when violence or trauma is involved but you just have to learn to stand back and not get attached and say to yourself at least it wasnt me. If anything you learn to appreciate just being alive and you learn to appreciate the things that really matter in life.

And money....when I graduate I'll start off making about 50K before taxes and thats if I worked straight 40 hours. Reality is I have all the overtime I want so I'll make probably 60K. Not bad for 21 year old guy.

Depending on what department and your geographic location, OT could push you into 80K.....

Just working as a staff nurse with a bachelors not counting OT my pay would max around 77K. Some of the nurses I know make almost 100K a year because of OT.

 

[krunchykrome]

I dont have any "gay phobia" that you speak of. The reason Im not in a medical/health field is because I do not want to be around sick patients. People are dirty and I just don't trust most people's hygiene.

 

[TraumaRN]

Originally posted by: animalia

Originally posted by: Flyback
Years ago I worked in a hospital (as a security guard).



My advice? Become a paramedic. You don't get attached and the thrill is nuts. I would go out and chill with the paramedics when they reloaded up their trucks and got ready for their next calls. I didn't find a single one of them to dislike their job--most had been there for a long time and they were among the most pleasant people I dealt with at the whole hospital. You have a constantly new "office" in that you are always going to different places. You can feel that you help people, but you don't have to sit around and watch sh!t hit the fan in the ER--your job is to get them there as alive as possible, then it becomes the burden of the Gods (aka Doctors). Pay is good in most places too, and you require less education than a nurse. Here, nurses require a 4 year degree. Paramedics can get in with a 2 year program from a few local (read: cheaper) colleges. The only major downside is that you are a responder to accidents, trauma, etc. You can get messed up just the same as you would in a hospital in that regard I guess.

that's funny you say that because I am starting my training to become an EMT-B in one week so I can eventually be a paramedic. I was just curious about male nurses. I can't wait to get out in the field. I have a non-pristine driving record from when I was 17 (only one year ago) that may affect me getting a job, so I might have to work as an ER Tech. You should see my textbooks for the EMT class (1 huge book, I huge workbook, and 1 small workbook. lots of material.)

edit - some ambulances alternate drivers. some don't. So I may get lucky.

Well dont stop after you become an EMT-B we make fun of the EMT-B's in my ER cuz in Michigan at least they cant do anything but really take vitals and bring us a patient. They can't even start an IV.

 

[TraumaRN]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
I dont have any "gay phobia" that you speak of. The reason Im not in a medical/health field is because I do not want to be around sick patients. People are dirty and I just don't trust most people's hygiene.

Ha....funny thing is, most hospital workers never get sick being around all those germs really helps your immune system 😉

 

[animalia]

yeah, I know. I eventually wanna be a paramedic.

 

[animalia]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
I dont have any "gay phobia" that you speak of. The reason Im not in a medical/health field is because I do not want to be around sick patients. People are dirty and I just don't trust most people's hygiene.

NEAT FREAK!!!

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: DeathBUA

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
I dont have any "gay phobia" that you speak of. The reason Im not in a medical/health field is because I do not want to be around sick patients. People are dirty and I just don't trust most people's hygiene.

Ha....funny thing is, most hospital workers never get sick being around all those germs really helps your immune system 😉

I didnt say I was worried about being sick. It's more of a conscience thing, where Im just digusted by the thought of germs and people not washing their hands...dirty stuff like that.

My gf is a physical therapist, so her job is a whole lot less "dirty" than that of a nurse, but I still won't hug her for more than a couple seconds if she's wearing scrubs that she's worn all day at work. Too many patients=too many nasty people who dont know how to take care of themselves and their hygiene.

 

[purepolly]

Just working as a staff nurse with a bachelors not counting OT my pay would max around 77K. Some of the nurses I know make almost 100K a year because of OT.

Yeah, I managed to pull 60K in my first full year of nursing - with almost no overtime - I think I worked an extra 2 shifts and that was it.

 

[JRich]

My step-dad is a nurse and my mom is the head nurse so the income in that household is crazy.

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: purepolly
Just working as a staff nurse with a bachelors not counting OT my pay would max around 77K. Some of the nurses I know make almost 100K a year because of OT.

Yeah, I managed to pull 60K in my first full year of nursing - with almost no overtime - I think I worked an extra 2 shifts and that was it.

Do nurses really earn that much? I had no idea; I knew they were in demand, but I didnt know they were paid that well.

Still, it's not enough to compensate me for wiping someones.....

 

[TraumaRN]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

Originally posted by: DeathBUA

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
I dont have any "gay phobia" that you speak of. The reason Im not in a medical/health field is because I do not want to be around sick patients. People are dirty and I just don't trust most people's hygiene.

Ha....funny thing is, most hospital workers never get sick being around all those germs really helps your immune system 😉

I didnt say I was worried about being sick. It's more of a conscience thing, where Im just digusted by the thought of germs and people not washing their hands...dirty stuff like that.

My gf is a physical therapist, so her job is a whole lot less "dirty" than that of a nurse, but I still won't hug her for more than a couple seconds if she's wearing scrubs that she's worn all day at work. Too many patients=too many nasty people who dont know how to take care of themselves and their hygiene.

Haha...my girlfriend always says you smell like a hospital. Whatever that means. she doesnt mind hugging me tho.

Working in an ER at least I see lots of bad hygiene. It is a fact of life and I don't mind it.

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: DeathBUA

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

Originally posted by: DeathBUA

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
I dont have any "gay phobia" that you speak of. The reason Im not in a medical/health field is because I do not want to be around sick patients. People are dirty and I just don't trust most people's hygiene.

Ha....funny thing is, most hospital workers never get sick being around all those germs really helps your immune system 😉

I didnt say I was worried about being sick. It's more of a conscience thing, where Im just digusted by the thought of germs and people not washing their hands...dirty stuff like that.

My gf is a physical therapist, so her job is a whole lot less "dirty" than that of a nurse, but I still won't hug her for more than a couple seconds if she's wearing scrubs that she's worn all day at work. Too many patients=too many nasty people who dont know how to take care of themselves and their hygiene.

Haha...my girlfriend always says you smell like a hospital. Whatever that means. she doesnt mind hugging me tho.

Working in an ER at least I see lots of bad hygiene. It is a fact of life and I don't mind it.

I tell my gf the same thing "you smell like the hospital". I dont like it either.

 

[TraumaRN]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

Originally posted by: purepolly
Just working as a staff nurse with a bachelors not counting OT my pay would max around 77K. Some of the nurses I know make almost 100K a year because of OT.

Yeah, I managed to pull 60K in my first full year of nursing - with almost no overtime - I think I worked an extra 2 shifts and that was it.

Do nurses really earn that much? I had no idea; I knew they were in demand, but I didnt know they were paid that well.

Still, it's not enough to compensate me for wiping someones.....

Well I should start as an RN at about $23.50 to $24/hr. If I don't go back for further education and just work as a staff nurse(not as a charge/lead nurse or manager) my pay will max at about $32/hr.

And this is in Metro Detroit....

 

[purepolly]

Do nurses really earn that much? I had no idea; I knew they were in demand, but I didnt know they were paid that well.

Still, it's not enough to compensate me for wiping someones.....[/quote]

Absolutely, with 5 weeks vaca, 2 weeks sick and a federal pension to boot.

 

[tennisflip]

Originally posted by: purepolly


Do nurses really earn that much? I had no idea; I knew they were in demand, but I didnt know they were paid that well.

Still, it's not enough to compensate me for wiping someones.....

Absolutely, with 5 weeks vaca, 2 weeks sick and a federal pension to boot.[/quote]

Plus most of the wiping is done by nurse assistants. This is coming from an nursing assistant with about 5 months of nursing school left.

 

[purepolly]

Originally posted by: tennisflip

Originally posted by: purepolly


Do nurses really earn that much? I had no idea; I knew they were in demand, but I didnt know they were paid that well.

Still, it's not enough to compensate me for wiping someones.....

Absolutely, with 5 weeks vaca, 2 weeks sick and a federal pension to boot.

Plus most of the wiping is done by nurse assistants.[/quote]

Ah no, we still wipe butts. It is very difficult to get and retain a good NA, that is one highly underpaid job, so they typically don't stay long.

 

[911paramedic]

Originally posted by: animalia

Originally posted by: Flyback
Years ago I worked in a hospital (as a security guard).



My advice? Become a paramedic. You don't get attached and the thrill is nuts. I would go out and chill with the paramedics when they reloaded up their trucks and got ready for their next calls. I didn't find a single one of them to dislike their job--most had been there for a long time and they were among the most pleasant people I dealt with at the whole hospital. You have a constantly new "office" in that you are always going to different places. You can feel that you help people, but you don't have to sit around and watch sh!t hit the fan in the ER--your job is to get them there as alive as possible, then it becomes the burden of the Gods (aka Doctors). Pay is good in most places too, and you require less education than a nurse. Here, nurses require a 4 year degree. Paramedics can get in with a 2 year program from a few local (read: cheaper) colleges. The only major downside is that you are a responder to accidents, trauma, etc. You can get messed up just the same as you would in a hospital in that regard I guess.

that's funny you say that because I am starting my training to become an EMT-B in one week so I can eventually be a paramedic. I was just curious about male nurses. I can't wait to get out in the field. I have a non-pristine driving record from when I was 17 (only one year ago) that may affect me getting a job, so I might have to work as an ER Tech. You should see my textbooks for the EMT class (1 huge book, I huge workbook, and 1 small workbook. lots of material.)

edit - some ambulances alternate drivers. some don't. So I may get lucky. The pay I think is pretty much about the same or a little less than that of an elementary school teacher. That is just what I think. Salary.com's 25th percentile for my area is like 31K and for NYC it's 39K, keep in mind 25th percentile means 75% make more.

Many paramedics I know go on to become nurses because of the pay. The difference in education is because nurses deal with aftercare, patient counseling, and clinical situations.

anamilia: I have been working since 95, in three different areas, and we always alternate driving. The only difference is what type of system you are working in. When I was in SF we would simply alternate because they only allow paramedics to work on 911 ambulances. In Vegas and Marin, it could be a medic/emt rig. That being the case, if it was an ALS call the medic would be in the back. I have had days that all the calls we ran were ALS so my partner never once was in the back, but we did alternate driving to the calls.

Good luck if you go on to the paramedic level, it's challenging and rewarding.

 

[TraumaRN]

Originally posted by: purepolly

Originally posted by: tennisflip

Originally posted by: purepolly


Do nurses really earn that much? I had no idea; I knew they were in demand, but I didnt know they were paid that well.

Still, it's not enough to compensate me for wiping someones.....

Absolutely, with 5 weeks vaca, 2 weeks sick and a federal pension to boot.

Plus most of the wiping is done by nurse assistants.

Ah no, we still wipe butts. It is very difficult to get and retain a good NA, that is one highly underpaid job, so they typically don't stay long.

[/quote]

Yea thats why our good nurse aids, patient care techs whatever you call them make 15-20 bucks an hour in hopes of making them stay.

 

[Patt]

Two of my good friends are male nurses, one works in the dialysis unit and the other in intensive care. Your job says nothing about your sexuality, and to generalize like that never works. One of the most positive benefits of nursing is the flexibility to work anywhere ... there always seems to be demand everywhere, and your skills are transferable. And as mentioned, the pay can be pretty good.

The intensive care nurse mentioned above works 2-3 days a week casually, and can pick up as many shifts as he wants if he needs some extra cash.

 

[purepolly]

Back to the gay issue. Perhaps it had some merit in the past, but it probably isn't really relevant anymore. At my facility (VA), most of the older male nurses were trained while serving with the military during Vietnam. Most are married with kids.

THe younger guys are predominately African born Nigerians and Liberians (great caring nurses BTW), also with kids.

 

[animalia]

Originally posted by: 911paramedic

Originally posted by: animalia

Originally posted by: Flyback
Years ago I worked in a hospital (as a security guard).



My advice? Become a paramedic. You don't get attached and the thrill is nuts. I would go out and chill with the paramedics when they reloaded up their trucks and got ready for their next calls. I didn't find a single one of them to dislike their job--most had been there for a long time and they were among the most pleasant people I dealt with at the whole hospital. You have a constantly new "office" in that you are always going to different places. You can feel that you help people, but you don't have to sit around and watch sh!t hit the fan in the ER--your job is to get them there as alive as possible, then it becomes the burden of the Gods (aka Doctors). Pay is good in most places too, and you require less education than a nurse. Here, nurses require a 4 year degree. Paramedics can get in with a 2 year program from a few local (read: cheaper) colleges. The only major downside is that you are a responder to accidents, trauma, etc. You can get messed up just the same as you would in a hospital in that regard I guess.

that's funny you say that because I am starting my training to become an EMT-B in one week so I can eventually be a paramedic. I was just curious about male nurses. I can't wait to get out in the field. I have a non-pristine driving record from when I was 17 (only one year ago) that may affect me getting a job, so I might have to work as an ER Tech. You should see my textbooks for the EMT class (1 huge book, I huge workbook, and 1 small workbook. lots of material.)

edit - some ambulances alternate drivers. some don't. So I may get lucky. The pay I think is pretty much about the same or a little less than that of an elementary school teacher. That is just what I think. Salary.com's 25th percentile for my area is like 31K and for NYC it's 39K, keep in mind 25th percentile means 75% make more.

Many paramedics I know go on to become nurses because of the pay. The difference in education is because nurses deal with aftercare, patient counseling, and clinical situations.

anamilia: I have been working since 95, in three different areas, and we always alternate driving. The only difference is what type of system you are working in. When I was in SF we would simply alternate because they only allow paramedics to work on 911 ambulances. In Vegas and Marin, it could be a medic/emt rig. That being the case, if it was an ALS call the medic would be in the back. I have had days that all the calls we ran were ALS so my partner never once was in the back, but we did alternate driving to the calls.

Good luck if you go on to the paramedic level, it's challenging and rewarding.

do you think I can still work as an EMT with a speeding ticket on my record? I am a much better driver than I was even a year ago. I don't want this to rpevent me from working. It's not like I have an OUI on record. What do you suggest? By the time I am a paramedic, my driving record won't be an issue I think.

 

[aidanjm]

Originally posted by: animalia
I think that if people got over the phobia of being considered gay it would be more popular. How do you think you would like it?.

I don't think I would make a good nurse. I think you have to have a certain type of personality, where you can be warm and caring towards the complete strangers you have to look after. I can do that occasionally, but being required to behave that way all the time (for a job) would be stressful.