Being Gay and a Male Nursing Student

Nursing Students Male Students

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I'm aware that the words 'Gay' and 'Nursing' may somehow go hand-and-hand for some, and others may find it comical, but I've found it quite uncomfortable being gay and a male, nursing student simply because people tend to treat you differently-whether that is not being taken seriously or socially treated like one of the women nurses and/or techs.

Although I keep my personal and work life separate and I have a passion for nursing, but many people still seem to pick up that "vibe" then judge me accordingly. Sometimes I feel like I have to work harder than the other students simply because many people tend to associate gay men with a long list of stereotypical humor and cruelty.

If there are any other gay, male nursing students OR Nurses out there, share your coping mechanisms while in class and/or on the job.

Yes remove them..it does nothing for your application loll

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I'm so glad that I ran across this post! I recently got into nursing school and i'm very anxious about starting Fall 2012. Before attempting to go down this path I had a problem with my sexuality and said that I would never go into nursing because of the degree of difficulty of the prereqs and the negative view i thought males received but God had other plans lol. I never received so many A's in my life until i got into the nursing major. I already know that people expect me to fail being gay black and having dreads on top of that. I see the looks and I hear the comments but it's fine though. My to hell with all of you Miami attitude has been keeping me afloat. I like to break stereotypes though. Hell I love when people have my name in their mouth. Knowing that i'm on your mind shows that i'm doing something for your attention. I am not overly flamboyant (although I do have my slight mannerisms) but I know that my accept no b.s. attitude has protected me from getting bullied in the past and will hopefully do so in the future. All in all I just hope this experience is a smooth one. I'll keep you all posted though. Ttys!

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Best of luck to you!

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I decided to go snooping in the male nursing forum wondering what the heck y'all might be talking about. I found this interesting. There are a lot of gay male nurses out there & I suppose even if you were straight you might be throwing off someone's gaydar. My question is, what's the problem? Girls tend to like gay guys because we can treat them like one of the girls, no need to impress and can share girl conversation without feeling weird. I know in pre-nursing, my best friend was a gay woman. She was a but butch so there was little question & one of my friends spent the entire semester assuming I was gay too, by association. I laughed when she told me. I don't recall anyone treating anyone differently & I don't think I was judged at all for mistakenly be being assumed gay. Embrace your ability to stand out in the crowd and bond with women. It won't always be easy. There will be patients that refuse your help because you're male probably before realizing you're gay.

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I don't give a rat's rump if gay or straight. I DO care if you are strong enough to help me turn the 500lb patient q2h... :)

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Specializes in Geriatric.

I actually love working with gay guys. They are fun and funny. I think each facility should have at least one so it is not BORING!

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

I've been a nurse for decades, and I can honestly say that most of your nursing colleagues won't care one way or another about your sexual orientation . . . unless, of course they're interested. Wearing eyeliner and pink lip gloss may get you gossiped about, but I don't know many people who aren't the object of a little gossip at one time or another.

I work with gay men, straight men, gay women and straight women and I honestly don't give a rip which gender anyone dates. I'm happily married. I will say, though, that discussing your sexual escapades in great detail at work is inappropriate for anyone, gay or straight. Behave in an appropriate manner and you won't have any problems.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
psu_213 said:
Yeah, it kinda stinks when other nurses are talking about their families and you aren't sure whether to bring your's up. If you are comfortable talking with someone about your boyfriend/partner, then go for it. If you are not, then just don't. (Either way, leave the details of the bedroom, well, in the bedroom at home....there are some straight coworkers I wish would!)

I just had to address this one because it has always bothered me. When other nurses are talking about their families, go ahead and bring yours up. We're just as interested (or not) in your family as we are in anyone else's. I don't want to hear about your sex life -- or anyone else's, for that matter -- but I'm sure your dog is just as cute as mine, your kids are just as smart and your partner is just as wonderful. I honestly think most of your colleagues would LIKE to hear the story about how your partner cooked the most marvelous meal or got a promotion or whatever. That means you want to be part of the team.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
cjcsoon2brn said:
I've had both coworkers and classmates who are gay (male and female) and to be perfectly honest no one else really cared about their sexual orientation because it has nothing to do with the quality of healthcare provider you are. As another user mentioned that if you come off as overly flamboyant then you may draw some negative attention to yourself but as long as you are a professional in school or the workplace then you should be fine. If you are being harassed or bullied in the workplace based on your sexuality (or for any reason) you need to report it to your manager and to Human Resources because everyone has the right to feel safe and free from harassment in their workplace.

ANY nurse who is overly flamboyant will draw negative attention.

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Glad I am non flamboyant. I may be gay, but I don't broadcast it.

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A Gay or straight coworker really doesn't make a difference to me. What's important to me is the worth ethic & ability to get along with coworkers lol. I respect a good nurse, an efficient nurse, a team player! I enjoy hearing about my coworkers lives/activities (i.e. their kids bday, how's judo class, new recipe, new movies, how has their vaca/moving, etc..nothing too personal or long though). It just shows caring & creates stronger team bonds.

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My one hang up about nursing is the vast majority of women in the field (I'm a woman by the way!) as a general rule we tend to breed cattiness and gossip when we're in large numbers. I'm very excited about the idea of having men on the floor with me too just to break it up! It absolutely doesn't matter gay or straight... A guy is a guy!! :)

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