I haven't worked in a ward in years. These days it's the exciting stuff, you know, the emergency room or ski nurse or something else exciting that I do.
The other day I caught up with and old friend, from when I did work in a ward. I love the fact I don't have to wash patients anymore. And as a male nurse, I'm really relieved I don't have to wash female patients anymore.
As I get older I'm becoming old fashioned. I would just feel uncomfortable showering a female patient on my own these days.
I know what arguments you are going to say, and here's my reply.
1. I'm a professional and it's part of my job - Well, if I can't continue to help others and do good just because I'm not into showering little old ladies, well nursing isn't the caring profession I thought it was.
2. What if it's an emergency - Get real, "that patient needs a shower...stat".
3. It's not fair on your colleagues - You're probably right. But lets face it, men generally do accept being showered by a woman much easier than a woman being showered by a man. It's a fact.
4. If I want to keep my job, you have to do it - Fortunately I've moved away from the ward and will probably never come back, so it won't be an issue. If I was broke and needed a ward job, of course I would relent and shower as many women as would have me.
I'm sure there are plenty of nurses out there who will absolutely think I'm a bad nurse, maybe even a bad person. All I will say again to these people is "I thought nursing was a caring profession. Isn't the job stressful enough without turning on each other". We all have our likes and dislikes, and generally we all work through them, but surely there's some room for some give and take.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
I've changed
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2 comments:
Nothing wrong with developing preferences. Actually, nowadays, who knows what weirdo patient might start accusing you of something just because they can. It only takes one time. It would be very expensive and not only that - ruin your reputation. That calls for pause...let me tell you. That's why MDs bring in another staff when doing personal exams. You have a good point there.
Hi! I wouldn't give two hoots about what other people think of you, as long as you're doing the right thing for the patient.
As for myself, I always ask a female patient if it's ok if I assist her with her shower. If given the ok, I do everything in my power to protect her privacy.
If a female patient finds it awkward, I make efforts for a female nurse to do it, with me doing something for her in return.
As for being old fashioned, I was born long in the tooth!
Take Care,
Peter
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