[Dagger]

Hi I'm completely new to the nursing realm. I have wanted to be in the health field for a long time, but I've let life just go by and never thought what I really wanted to do. I'm 28 and am seriously considering nursing or something in health field that makes a difference in people's lives. I want to help people.

I don't know what certain things mean though like NICU or ED, but the idea of making a difference everyday means a lot to me. I just need to know some things like how to get started? how to make certain that I can do this? how to know if I'm right for this? what's it like on a typical day of the job? how are male nurses treated? (I know it's not a very male dominated field)

I'm not asking for my decision to be made for me, but I want to know what you felt that made you sure. Sorry if this seems like a ramble.

[Alois Wolf]

Male nurses are in demand... at least that is what everyone over here in NJ tells me. I would check out your local community colleges or technical schools to see what kind of programs they offer. If you're not that sure, perhaps consider doing CNA work for a while to see if you can handle the 'dirty' work that CNAs often end up getting. If you're comfortable with that, chances are you'll probably be okay as a nurse... but I can only speak for myself. I wish you luck. Go for it, see where it takes ya, bra.

[RN1989]

There are many professions that are helping professions, not just nursing. I would suggest going to a career counselor. They have tests you can take that help you discover your likes and dislikes, your strengths and weaknesses. Taking these tests can you decide which direction to take. Wanting to help people is IMO one of the better reasons to become a nurse, but sometimes the duties and the "fun" things that go along with being a nurse aren't for everyone. Sounds like you need to research more about yourself and careers to truly define where you should go from here.

As far as male nurses go, I have never seen a "demand" specifically for male nurses, just nurses in general. As a male nurse you will often encounter patients of both sexes that do not want a male nurse due to their upbringing and/or misconceptions about male nurses. No one seems to remember that many years ago, nursing was done by male monks, not women, as women were to delicate for such intimate and sometimes dirty work. As a male in nursing you will find some female nurses who dont' think you belong. In other places everyone "assumes" that the male nurse should take the heaviest patients because men are stronger, and everytime there is a problem the male nurse should come help out because they are bigger and stronger and might know what to do better. It is actually quite comical to see the myths about male nurses that people still believe. Sometimes it is difficult for male nurses to "fit in", since males typically don't chit chat and gossip the way women do. So if you are ok with not always being included in all the gossip and idle chit chat at work, you will probably be just fine.

[HealthyRN]

I agree with the previous poster that a career counselor may help you identify careers that may work best for you. There are lots of other helping professions out there, not just nursing, and I would suggest that you take the time to explore them before jumping into nursing. You may discover that nursing would be a good fit after all, but you want to be sure. Shadow a few nurses in different specialities to get an idea of what the job is really like. If you can, becoming a nurse's aid is a great way to observe nurses and other health care professionals and gain useful experience while doing it.

As far as nurses that are male, I love them! I wish we had more in nursing. Working with only fellow women all the time can get tedious (sorry, gals). Having men around shakes things up a little. Nurses that are male may be asked to help out a lot more with turning patients and doing heavy work, but you will have to get a male's perspective on that.

Good luck with your decision!

[Dagger]

Thanks for all the great advice. I will definitely take you up on it. I just am at a place where I'm sick of what I do and what to make a difference. A career counselor would be a great idea at this point for me. Thanks all.