Life at Vision: June 2015

Is it so unnatural for soccer fanatic, fast car or big bike loving, woman-chasing MAN to be in this profession?

I get asked a lot of questions about why I entered into the nursing profession. I understand all the misconceptions. Yes, I get asked about my sexual orientation, and if I didn’t know any better, I would think that I am a “victim” of sexism. Would anyone in their right mind outwardly ask a woman why she chose to be a ? (Enter any profession that comes to mind here.)

So why should anyone question a man for wanting to be a nurse?

I am finally ready to let you in on my reasons.

It’s no secret that nursing is dominated by women; as of 2013, only 6% of nurses in Malaysia were male. However, in a female-heavy industry, male nurses are often not given the appreciation they deserve. This may not be the popular opinion, especially when so many women these days go with the, “I don’t need a man” attitude, but this nurse really appreciates having male nurses around. Male nurses provide unique character attributes to the nursing profession.

How? Let me explain.

Gender Bias?

Stories of female patients admiring their male nurses are not uncommon. Very modest women, even in their most vulnerable state, have a great appreciation for the care that a male nurse provides. It is a comforting feeling, as a woman, to know a male is caring for you, even if it’s professional, platonic care. In clinical practice, it appears that the open acceptance of male nurses, even by the most modest of women, has been the rule, rather than the exception.

It’s a common assumption that female patients want female nurses. While this may be true for some procedures or treatments, it’s surprising how many females want and appreciate a male nurse. Little old ladies seem to be smitten when a male nurse cares for them. We have all heard countless stories about how old Puan Hamidah would only take her meds for Staff Nurse Farish, the night shift nurse. It is not uncommon to have patients who won’t lift a finger all day, and then miraculously have the ability to assist in turns, or even get up and walk, when a male nurse steps into the picture. The dominating presence of a man is enough to make many patients, male or female, straighten up and act right.

Physical Strength

We still call a code “Man-power” when we need support for heavy lifting. It’s a wonder someone hasn’t tried to sue a healthcare organization for this sexist term, but we use it daily, without evening thinking of how chauvinist the words may come across. Why? Men have more muscle mass then women and, naturally, can lift things more easily than women. Simple reality: most men are physically stronger than most women.

Friendly Competition

Many female nurses don’t want to be outdone by our male counterparts. Male nurses offer different perspectives and approaches to the practice. They present new ideas about information because their brains are wired differently than females. As nurses, we possess an amount of integrity that forces us to strive to be the best at what we do; it’s one of our most valuable assets. Since our goal is to deliver care to the best of our abilities, any challenge that helps us meet this goal is always welcome. We naturally compete with our male co-workers, as we do with each other. Whether it’s a battle of the sexes, or simple hospital competition, male nurses make us better nurses.

Gossip

It may seem stereotypical, but men tend to be less involved in gossip and cattiness. As professionals, we should all avoid this type of behaviour, but we all know it exists, and it’s a daily struggle to overcome gossipy behaviour. Perhaps women don’t pull men into the gossip as often, or men choose to end the game of telephone with them. After all, it’s hard for rumours and gossip to spread if there are no willing participants. This is not to state that male nurses don’t participate, it just appears that they do gossip less often and usually less dramatically than female nurses.

Great to Have at the Potluck

One of the benefits of working in nursing is the camaraderie that you develop and share with your co-workers. And since breaking bread with one another helps to facilitate those lasting bonds, it’s no surprise that opportunities that involve food are embraced well and remembered by all. Ask a male nurse to join in on a potluck, and they’ll often have some wonderful specialty item like a signature chicken curry or rendang, or assam pedas laksa you’ve been craving since the Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Male Nurses Enjoy What They Do

If you asked every male nurse if he enjoys being a nurse, chances are 99% of them will tell you: Yes. Nursing is an overall enjoyable profession, with constant opportunities for growth and change. Men and women should never be bored in nursing because there is always the ability to do something different and experience new things. As nurses, we are part of a career that that can start in one place and end in another direction.

Because so many male nurses enjoy what they do, they often are enjoyable to work with. No one wants to work with Negative Staff Nurse Siti, but everyone wants to work with Cool and Collective Staff Nurse Farish. As a minority in the workforce, male nurses tend to pick their battles carefully and thoughtfully. When someone enjoys their work, they encourage you to enjoy yours as well. Nursing needs more individuals with different perspective, backgrounds, and ideas in order to grow and improve.

Why More Men Should Pursue Nursing?

In a time where male unemployment rates are higher than those of women and the healthcare industry continues to expand, nursing is a much more attractive profession for everyone to pursue.

So female nurses, embrace the male nurses in your life. Don’t see them as a threat to our guarded practice. We are not a secret female society; nursing is a growing profession that needs the talent and commitment of men and women in order to promote growth and innovation in healthcare.

Nursing needs passionate individuals who have a desire to improve the lives of others. We need forward thinkers, movers and shakers, and a commitment to caring. We need X and Y chromosomes. We need more nurses, male and female.

Therefore, whenever I get involved with Education Fair or Roadshow, I would definitely promote our Diploma in Nursing programme especially to the male students because I assure you that this career indeed a noble profession besides the salary offered is lucrative.

It took some time for me to decide to become a nurse at my stage in life. The most difficult part was changing my lifestyle so I could go to school full time and completely focus on my studies. Despite having some apprehension, everything fell into place. Now I can say it's all been worth it. I'm in a career where I'm helping people every day and proud to say, "I am a male nurse."