Why I post here.

Nursing Students Male Students

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I have quite a few posts on this board. The last one has 43 views and no replies, which is OK, but part of me wonders...

Is it OK that I post what is on my mind? My trials and tribulations as a male nursing student. I realize some of what I am going through is not exclusive to males, but what I'm seeking is feedback from peers.

Aside from classmates, I've got nobody I can talk to that would even begin to understand the stresses of nursing school. My wife is wonderful, but she admits she cant understand it either. She knows she does not like to see what it's doing to me.

So I come here to vent, share, and I hope for feed back. A few of my posts have gotten that, and I appreciate it. One post I put up, I actually re-read and took down, because it was far beyond a rant to the point of near-psychosis.

Another thing. I have ADD. It presents its own challenges. I used to participate on some ADD forums, I even had my own column in a newsletter that goes out to parents of kids with ADD. But since starting school again, I have not been able to do much writing in those areas, and when I do, I'm reminded even more of how tough things can be for me.

Wait, I've got an idea. Perhaps there ought to be a forum here for nursing students with learning disabilities. I wonder if there are any. Or maybe I'm a rarity. I dunno.

All I know is I find getting my thoughts out helpful, and feedback helpful too. I'd write or journal and simply save them to my hard drive, but I'd miss the perspective of my peers here. I'm feeling alone in my situation, despite being surrounded by a wife and son who love me, classmates who seem to tolerate me, and thats pretty much all I've got.

If I am overdoing it on the posting, or going too far with what I post, kindly let me know. Thanks

ND

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

A journal is great. I understand what you mean about no one beginning to understand as many on here do too. Don't worry about anything, post away and voice a rant or two. Even if you get no replies, people are reading it and maybe learning something from your experiences, and it will be off your chest.

Best wishes to you. :)

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Specializes in home & public health, med-surg, hospice.

One post I put up, I actually re-read and took down, because it was far beyond a rant to the point of near-psychosis.

Is there supposed to be a difference?..lol :uhoh21:

I have quite a few posts on this board. The last one has 43 views and no replies...

Not sure why this happens, is it b/c we are a society of voyeurist (watching Dr. Phil instead of trying to work through our own problems - like you're doing), b/c we're takers or is it b/c most be are shy about stepping out and connecting with others? My guess is probably the latter.

Aside from classmates, I've got nobody I can talk to that would even begin to understand the stresses of nursing school. My wife is wonderful, but she admits she cant understand it either. She knows she does not like to see what it's doing to me.

I remember at my school, during orientation, they gathered us all in this big room and went on and on about how difficult nursing school is. Things like 1 class hour equals to apprx. 3 hours of study. How you really shouldn't have an outside job and school too. Had counselors come in and talk to us, etc.

You know what I think would be really great? If they could have an orientation like this for significant others, parents, etc. Sometimes, it means more coming from someone else. Often, I think my husband doesn't take me seriously when I voice my struggles with school. Also, this would provide an opportunity for our significant others to network & make connections with others in their boat! Sometimes, it's not easy on them either having to take on new roles/duties, etc.

Perhaps there ought to be a forum here for nursing students with learning disabilities. I wonder if there are any. Or maybe I'm a rarity. I dunno..

This is a good idea. My only suggestion/observatoin is that I think you might be limiting yourself to select audiences (male forum, learning disability). Think about some of the issues you've had, have they all been specific only to male issues or could they have been addressed/applied to nursing in general?

I participate in a few issue-specific forums also. However, I think one of the biggest problems we face in nursing is division and lack of unity. :( You might want to try posting your concerns/issues in more generalized areas. This is the 1st time I have ever posted (I think) in the male forum b/c I always thought it was gender specific.

... being surrounded by a wife and son who love me, classmates who seem to tolerate me, and thats pretty much all I've got.

I'm not sure you'll ever be able to get better than this. Count your blessings...

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I'm actually in agreement with Kelly's suggestion that you should attempt to post in busier, more generalized forums to get responses to your posts. The 'General Discussion' thread is high-volume and many more people are likely to see your posts. This is admittedly the first time I have visited the 'Male Student Forum'.

Unfortunately, female nursing students still greatly outnumber their male nursing student counterparts, hence the probable reason for the lack of traffic in this particular forum. We all have concerns and issues, and the female members of this site could be there to listen (after all, we're all in the field of nursing). :)

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thanks for the responses. I did post on the general board a little while ago about the LD thing. I'll see what happens there.

I'll give some thought to posting more on the general board if my issues are universal and not related to anything gender specific.

Thanks for the support.

My wife and my son are truly my sole means of support. My soul support too. They are why I am doing this. We lost our first son, and have been blessed to have and hold our second who will be four in February. He's my motivation. The other day I took off my big winter coat and as he watched me reveal my bright white nursing student uniform complete with scope and name badge, he gave me a big smile and with a look on his face of admiration he said "DADDY! YOU'RE A NURSE!. "That's right, my boy. I certainly AM. Priceless.

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Hi. This is my first post to this site. I'm a nursing student and I was wondering what kind of issues you have faced. I'm just starting out and want to know what is ahead of me. I would appreciate it a whole bunches!!:rolleyes:

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

Oh, you are doing a most excellent job here. Keep posting. You received some good feedback. Many read, but do not post....just like we have many members, but many more lurkers. I just wanted you to know that I enjoy your posts, even if I don't reply directly to you. You are doing fine.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I will also mention that the 'General Nursing Student' forum is another one that is very high volume and busy, and that your posts are highly likely to get noticed over there as well. I believe you are a student if I am not mistaken.

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Specializes in home & public health, med-surg, hospice.
We lost our first son,.

I am so sorry. I just can't imagine losing a child. I think it's got to be the most devasting loss anyone could ever experience in their lifetime.

and have been blessed to have and hold our second who will be four in February. He's my motivation. The other day I took off my big winter coat and as he watched me reveal my bright white nursing student uniform complete with scope and name badge, he gave me a big smile and with a look on his face of admiration he said "DADDY! YOU'RE A NURSE!. "That's right, my boy. I certainly AM. Priceless.

Very, very cool!

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Hi Nurse Daddy -

I know it must be discouraging to write a post and have two people answer it. I have written several posts and have only received some response. The answer - keep posting...................some things people might not be able to relate to and that is why they do not respond. There could be many reasons why. If you are looking to see some info on these posts about disabilities - Search it. I have several posts that discuss disabilities. Mine are psychiatric but as far as I know they sometimes link ADD in with that because it has behavioral symptoms. You can look in stigma against psyche and nurses with bipolar. They may not specifically address ADD but people with disabilities whether learning or mental face similar challenges.

Unlawfully removed from nursing school addresses a disability issue as well.

Be grateful for the support you already have in your life. Besides that ,you can learn how to support yourself as well and realize that other people's opinions are really neither here nor there. What you think of yourself is important when you go to bed at night. Focus on what you have, not what you don't have.................Congratulations - We need more Male Nurses to mellow out us females......................HB06:clown:

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Hi,

I think your doing a wonderful job just posting and venting. I used to post alot but dont anymore. (I dont know why I just dont). I read your stuff and think man thats me over there. keep up the good work and good luck with school.

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Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.
thanks for the responses. I did post on the general board a little while ago about the LD thing. I'll see what happens there.

I'll give some thought to posting more on the general board if my issues are universal and not related to anything gender specific.

Thanks for the support.

My wife and my son are truly my sole means of support. My soul support too. They are why I am doing this. We lost our first son, and have been blessed to have and hold our second who will be four in February. He's my motivation. The other day I took off my big winter coat and as he watched me reveal my bright white nursing student uniform complete with scope and name badge, he gave me a big smile and with a look on his face of admiration he said "DADDY! YOU'RE A NURSE!. "That's right, my boy. I certainly AM. Priceless.

Post away, Friend ! :D

It is posts such as this one above that make this board so very worthwhile.

Your posts are heartfelt and touching. Now dare to dabble in the other forums a bit, and don't forget the breakroom, (if you're a premium member.. WELL worth your while!) where you can kick back and just enjoy. :icon_hug:

And congrats to you and the family !!! :baloons: :) :balloons: :)

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