African Americans as nurses.

leslie :-D · Mar 10, 2011

No I was referring to some of the comments I read. I definitely see why he asked the question but I think it is inappropriate for him to feel the need to ask the question.

appreciate the clarification.:)

i think it's presumptuous to deem his question, "inappropriate"...

since we don't know why he felt inclined to ask.

like i said, it just really, really saddened me.

racism IS alive and well, here in this country...

but thankfully, we are much more united than not.

and if op encounters bigotry in his journey, he will handle it, without a doubt.

he also has laws that'll protect and support him.

and when all else fails, daniel has an's to kick some a$$. :lol2:

he'll be ok....i'm sure of it.

leslie

Living4Peace · Mar 10, 2011

First of all, I am disappointed in the reactions that people have given in response to your question. If it was such a 'dumb' question then why dignify it with an answer. Obviously it was worth your while to answer, so if you are going to do so maybe you should not be rude.

To answer your question OP, it is perfectly fine to be a male nurse that happens to be African American. Don't feel like you need to seek validation from anyone else. Nursing is a very tough field. It will challenge you mentally and physically. It is definitely a respectable job, and totally gender neutral. I am a 22 yr old male that is African American. I don't get any slack about my career choice. I know that there are some people in our culture that probably can't fathom being a nurse because they see it as emasculating. But when you are cashing your big checks and they are scrambling to make ends meet their ignorance will catch up with them.

God bless, I truly hope you make a sound decision regarding your career choice

TheCareerStudent · Mar 10, 2011

appreciate the clarification.:)
i think it's presumptuous to deem his question, "inappropriate"...
since we don't know why he felt inclined to ask.
like i said, it just really, really saddened me.
leslie

I guess what I am trying to say is that there is no room in this country for people to feel this way anymore. I don't think the question is inappropriate I think the mindset is. I should have worded it differently.

Daniel Floyd · Mar 10, 2011

Where do you live?

Florida.

Daniel Floyd · Mar 10, 2011

I seriously accept everyone comments and I will go on. I'm very sorry for some of those who took this the wrong way. I did not try to play a "race card" or anything like that. I was just really curious about what goes on in nursing. I am only on my prerequisite courses and no hands on training yet. I feel good for many positive answers but I feel bad because some of you thought I was trying to start drama. Thanks anyway and I will contine to follow my plans to become an RN. :/ :)

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Mar 10, 2011

No worries Daniel, we didn't realize the spirit in which you were asking the question...

Come back soon, cause we're usually a lot nicer.

Caffeine_IV · Mar 10, 2011

All the best to you OP.

I'm a black nurse and have experienced very very little negativity. I live in the south.

I have heard some derogatory things specifically from the really really old patients but it's not as common as even I would think.

leslie :-D · Mar 10, 2011

Come back soon, cause we're usually a lot nicer.

liar liar, pants on fire.:anpom:

seriously, as with anything else, you will find that most folks are nice, a few are brow-raising. but all are unique.

can you imagine how dull life would be, if were all candidates for sainthood?

hope to see more of you, daniel.

leslie

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Mar 10, 2011

Hey Daniel,

Good for you! I love working with male nurses. The more the better (and less drama!)........

Did you know we call male nurses "Murses"? :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2:

Daniel Floyd · Mar 10, 2011

Haha I never knew that! I'm sure they do that where ever you live. :)

SandraCVRN · Mar 10, 2011

I work with 2 African American males that are currently in nursing school. Good luck...........

Isitpossible, LPN, LVN · May 12, 2011

Hey everyone. I would just like to know if it is ok to work as a nurse as an african american and do many do it? Are there any drawbacks to this or will everything be alright? I thank you for all answers!

Hi Daniel, congratulations and good luck to you on your future endeavors. To answer your question, its absolutely acceptable to be an African American Male Nurse. Males on the whole make up a small percentage of nurses but thankfully things are changing!! So yes I feel everything will be okay for you. Now you may run into a some racism, but i dont think that will be the norm. And that can happen no matter what profession your in!! My genuine concern is why did you think it wouldnt be okay? Are you receiving negative feedback within your own community (family, school or friends)?