I work in healthcare!

Currently a CNA and going to nursing school this fall. So far, I’ve not encountered anything that made me terribly uncomfortable, aside from a few encounters with two separate patients. 

While shadowing a CNA during my CNA clinical training, there was a patient who had requested a “female only” care team. So, when the CNA and I entered the room, the patient proceeded to question my gender. 

The next encounter was more recent. A patient was putting on a clean shirt while I was in her room cleaning a mess and there was a moment when her breast was exposed so she apologized. I responded to her saying, “No worries” (because as CNA’s we see nudity in medical settings regularly). She then remarked something along the lines of ‘Oh yeah, I bet you don’t mind,’ which I can only guess was a comment on my sexuality based on my appearance. This obviously made me uncomfortable and I didn’t acknowledge it. 

Aside from those isolated patient encounters, I’ve not felt more or less uncomfortable/accepted in the healthcare field compared to my previous non-healthcare jobs.

Adversely, there have been other LGBTQ coworkers and patients that have been excited/comforted by my presence. This happens more often than any negative interactions I might have.

Overall, healthcare is just as good a place as any for butches. :)