why?

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I'm a male and I served in the military as a navy hospital corpsman. While serving there were many male nurses in the military and we saw nothing of it, in fact we wanted to apply for the program so we could become a RN. Now I'm out of the military and out here when you tell some people that you are considering being a RN..this puzzled look appears. Then I get questions like "Why not be a Doctor?" and comments like "You know what they associate male nurses with right?" or something else ignorant stating that all male nurses are feminine...I think its ridiculous. I know its common that nurses are female but times are changing right?..who cares about all that. I liked my job as a corpsman and I think I could be a great nurse and help educate others about nursing.

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Specializes in ICU/ER.

I think it is silly, we have more and more male nurses now. More nights than not the only staff in the ER are males and they need to call one of us "chick-nurses" down if they get a female in that needs an exam so that we can witness.

The only dept in our hosp that does not have male nurses is OB.

Best of luck!

You have an exciting future and thanks for serving our country:yeah:!!

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Specializes in LTC, Disease Management, smoking Cessati.
I'm a male and I served in the military as a navy hospital corpsman. While serving there were many male nurses in the military and we saw nothing of it, in fact we wanted to apply for the program so we could become a RN. Now I'm out of the military and out here when you tell some people that you are considering being a RN..this puzzled look appears. Then I get questions like "Why not be a Doctor?" and comments like "You know what they associate male nurses with right?" or something else ignorant stating that all male nurses are feminine...I think its ridiculous. I know its common that nurses are female but times are changing right?..who cares about all that. I liked my job as a corpsman and I think I could be a great nurse and help educate others about nursing.

Go for it! I have always appreciated having a male nurse on staff when there was one. There is no reason to listen to the childish jabber of people who just don't "get it". Follow your heart and do what you want to do! The people that think male nurses are feminine need to grow up, if you get my drift. :) Good luck to you! Just my :twocents:

Mydnightnurse :specs:

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

I'm sorry you've gotten this reaction from certain people. It's completely without merit. The numbers of male nurses are indeed growing - my department is about 25% male.

Good luck with your pursuit, and a heartfelt thank you for your service. :up:

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Its very silly. I remember reading somewhere that nursing used to be a male dominated profession. I bet those people didn't know that either.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

How silly is right! Go for it! You'd be a fine nurse. As a military medic, you already have solid triage and prioritization skills. You would be a valuable asset whereever you end up.

And...thanks for your service.

signed: USN vet.

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Specializes in Telemetry, CCU.

Unfortunately, a lot of people still hold that "sexy woman in a white uniform" stereotype about nurses. It's really sad that so many of the general public doesn't really understand what it is we do, and therefore can't really give us as much respect as we deserve. Hopefully that will change as time goes on and with the help of organizations that are trying to set the record straight.

You should totally go on to be a nurse! Like other posters have already said, there are plenty of male nurses these days, especially in faster paced areas like ER and ICU (from what I've noticed). You can do whatever you put your mind to.

Oh, and as one of my (male) coworkers said: "I went into nursing BECAUSE its predominately female. I'm like Hugh Hefner, I get to sit around all night with a bunch of ladies in my pj's!"

He was totally kidding, of course :lol2:

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Specializes in obstetrics(high risk antepartum, L/D,etc.

I have many years as an OB nurse, and have worked with many nurses. Granted, nearly all of them were female, but one of the best was a male--with a wife and three kids. I'd let him care for me or my loved ones any day! :yeah::loveya::yelclap:

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Specializes in CMSRN.

A third of our overnight staff is male. I love it. Keeps the female hormones in check too. :). If the general public has issues I can gurantee that the overall female nursing will not.

Besides the more the males get into nursing the more change will occur with others attitudes.

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Specializes in ccu cardiovascular.

Don't listen to the negativie people and just do it. I work with a nurse just out of school that was in Iraq for 2 years as a corpsman and he is AWESOME! I wish I had more like him working on my unit. You will be great so if it is in your heart which I think it is just do it.

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Specializes in CNA.

Don't let anyone stop you. I've had too many friends/family members discouraging me from nursing because I am "too sensitive." If you let people tell you that over and over you feel less capable. Follow your heart, not society's "rules." Thanks for serving this country!

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I would like to thank you all who responded..I believe I am going to pursue the RN degree..I was exploring all the other health careers here in college and none appeal to me..next semester I'm going to start pre-nursing curriculum..I think its the right choice for me..I've tackled challenges before and I can do this too

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