[ChrisA]

twice this week, I've mentioned to acquaintences of mine that I plan to get into nursing, and the reponse has been a joking "Don't you have to be gay to do that?" sort of response.

Does that stereotype actually still exist? Sheesh. I'll have to let my girlfriend know the bad news.

[scrubs70]

Originally Posted by ChrisA

twice this week, I've mentioned to acquaintences of mine that I plan to get into nursing, and the reponse has been a joking "Don't you have to be gay to do that?" sort of response.

Does that stereotype actually still exist? Sheesh. I'll have to let my girlfriend know the bad news.

My wife is going to be devestated

[studentnurse74]

Close minded people will always exsist. Apparently those people have never been treated by a male nurse. Tell them "Yes, you have to be gay, and I'm going to do my best to pull it off so I'll get a job".

[psychomachia]

Originally Posted by ChrisA

"Don't you have to be gay to do that?"

Does it pay better if you are??

I'm all for pay incentives....

[ChrisA]

Ha! I'll tell them it's on the list of pre-requisites:
"A&P, micro, statistics, human lifespan development, and 3 months in a relationship with a man!"

[Hellllllo Nurse]

I take turns being charge on my unit w/ a male RN. We have discussed the "male nurse=gay" thing, and he has never been accused pf being gay. It would come as a big shock to his wife and all his kids if he were!

I have another guy RN friend. He has a good comeback for when pts/acquantances/etc say to him "You're a male nurse?"
He replies "Well, I'm a nurse, but I don't deliver the mail."
He gets a kick out the confused looks he gets using that line.

I enjoy working with male RNs, and glad that men now feel comfortable pursuing nursing as a career.

[klone]

If you want a chuckle, scroll down to the bottom and read the "similar thread" recommendations.

[beausud]

hey, had this discussion a while back w/ some of my buddies who are also male RN's. when the situation comes up, my single "straight" friend simply states that we work w/ many many great professionals.. fortunately for him, most of the staff are women. he also adds that he can get a job almost anywhere in the world! furthermore the likelyhood that he'll get laid off is very slim. an old friend of mine who is very "macho" used to rib me about my profession. fortunately for me, this job (which i love) has provided me w/ many opportunities in travelling, as well as other perks. unfortunately for him he had the same opportunities, but he didn't capitalize on them. so to all those who assume that guys are "gay" just cause thery're male nurses, obviously have no clue as to the opportunities this profession has to offer. and if you happen to be gay, so what. to each his own. i think i'll go and take my 10 minute drive to the beach and watch the sunset.. hehe *wink*.. oh wait the hockey game is still on.. what to do.. what to do... laughing all the way to the bank

[Carolanne]

I think it's terrific that more and more men are getting into the nursing field. We need to get over the age old stereotype that it's just for women. It's extremely narrow minded to think that a man can't take care of another human being when they are ill or injured. More power to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[HyperRNRachel]

Being gay is a requirement at my school.