As an associate professor at Rhode Island College and a man practicing nursing, Nurse.com’s 2012 Men in Nursing edition caught my attention. Unfortunately, I noticed the term “male nurse” used in this publication.
Unless there is a specific reason, most individuals do not state: “I have an appointment with my male obstetrician,” or “I have an appointment with my female gynecologist.”
Use of the term “male nurse” creates role confusion, bias and possible multidisciplinary incivility. This confusion may overtly or covertly result in poor morale, nurse burnout and other adversities. The term further divides nursing and results in loss of the strength nurses have in numbers.
I hope the number of times individuals read the words “male nurse” sensitizes people to avoid use of the term.
— John M. Aflague, RN, PhD, PMHCNS-BC
Providence, R.I.
Unless there is a specific reason, most individuals do not state: “I have an appointment with my male obstetrician,” or “I have an appointment with my female gynecologist.”
Use of the term “male nurse” creates role confusion, bias and possible multidisciplinary incivility. This confusion may overtly or covertly result in poor morale, nurse burnout and other adversities. The term further divides nursing and results in loss of the strength nurses have in numbers.
I hope the number of times individuals read the words “male nurse” sensitizes people to avoid use of the term.
— John M. Aflague, RN, PhD, PMHCNS-BC
Providence, R.I.
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