Dating for Men in Nursing/Nursing School

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Apr 9, 2006

I've been a nurse for a couple of months now and working in NICU I certainly am outnumbered when it comes to gender. However, I don't ever see myself picking up dates from the workplace. First, it would be way too risky - if it doesn't work, you will have the great pleasure of seeing that person every single day. Second, I don't know how anyone in critical care would ever have time to do any flirting on the job. At least at my hospital, they keep us pretty darn busy just taking care of the patients.

In summary, I'd have to say it's had no effect on my status as a single male. I love my job, but if I were in it to get girls, I would find that aspect of it woefully lacking.

Rocky_LPN · Apr 9, 2006

well i tried to stay single thru school but now that im 2 months away from the end i have hooked up with a class mate. maybe not the best idea but im young and still enjoy having a good time!

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Apr 9, 2006

First, it would be way too risky - if it doesn't work, you will have the great pleasure of seeing that person every single day. Second, I don't know how anyone in critical care would ever have time to do any flirting on the job. At least at my hospital, they keep us pretty darn busy just taking care of the patients.

I'd have to second that. Work is already stressful enough. Throw a relationship into that fire is asking for trouble down the road.

Raymond CA · Apr 10, 2006

Ok, let's broaden the discussion. My original questions were:

Has dating been easier for you, now that you are a minority in a field of women? Have you learned and grown from your more frequent contact with women? What pros and cons have you seen as a man dating in nursing school or nursing?

ArizonaICU · Apr 10, 2006

Ok, let's broaden the discussion. My original questions were:
Has dating been easier for you, now that you are a minority in a field of women? Have you learned and grown from your more frequent contact with women? What pros and cons have you seen as a man dating in nursing school or nursing?

Yes dating is easier. I have learned a great deal about women and how to interact with them as a result of being in this field. Would I want to date another nurse? NOOOO THANKS! Frankly, you're better off dating friends of coworkers than coworkers themselves. My colleagues always invite me to occasions where I can meet their female friends. Not bad. I will say that nursing school is hell and most relationships will end. Also, going back for the BSN is usually analogous to serving divorce papers.

I'd like to get married and stuff, but haven't found the one.... Lots of interesting dates though. Being in nursing as a man will educate you about women, men, and humanity....Thus, your social value will definitely increase as a result.

Raymond CA · Apr 10, 2006

Thanks for your excellent dating posts, man! (I've added you as a buddy.) I looked through some of what you wrote on other forums too, and it's exciting to see what I envisioned coming true for someone like you. I also am planning to go the ICU/CRNA path.

I will say that nursing school is hell and most relationships will end. Also, going back for the BSN is usually analogous to serving divorce papers.

Hmm...that's sad. Did you personally observe a bunch of your classmates breaking up? Sounds like the difficulties couples have when someone is in med school, too. Any suggestions on avoiding wrecking our relationships while in nursing school? How about when we are working as a nurse---does life get more manageable for relationships?

Why would you NOT want to date a nurse again?

Andy_HRtoRN · Apr 11, 2006

One of my favorite sayings is:

"Never get your honey where you make your money!"

Just wanted a chance to use that line.

ArizonaICU · Apr 14, 2006

One of my favorite sayings is:
"Never get your honey where you make your money!"
Just wanted a chance to use that line.

Ditto That!

Its not the issue of dating a nurse, but of the workplace issues that may arise if breakup occurs. Date a nurse who I don't work with? OH YEAH!

I don't know really how to survive nursing school without breaking up. I think its important to fully convey to your s.o. the fact that you will be completely unavailable 91% of the time. That way if its not solid, you can break up right away and save yourself the strain during school. If they really support you and are committed, they'll be willing to accept this and will understand.

And yes, med school is like this too, i've heard. You either go in to med school with a solid s.o. or you stay single and focus on work. Either way there's no time for relationships.

Bala Shark · Apr 20, 2006

Hi, I am in a class of 15 females to 4 males..I dont find any of my classmates as dating material at all..The women who I associate in class with are just my friends, and just that..There is nothing sexual about it..The bottom line, none I would date and I guess from me ignoring them, they probably do know it..If I ignore the women, they know I am not interested in them..And that can be a good thing because the women know you are there to learn how to be a nurse and that is it..Nursing school is not a pick up place..If you want that, go to a bar or somewhere else..

karmyk · Apr 20, 2006

I figured I might as well post here from an opposite perspective. I did my undergrad at a school that was roughly 12-15% female... and we had a saying for the odds: "The ODDS are good, but the goods are ODD." xP

From being around a lot of guys... it was quite an eye-opener. I learned a lot about the different ways they treat women who they date for different reasons (hook ups vs. long term relationships... women they're dating out of convenience vs. women who they actually care about... etc.). Some things I learned from observation... some from experience... some from being the only female who they felt comfortable opening up to...

I should warn, though, that it takes "special" women to be nurses (semi-patient, willing to deal with stuff like blood and feces, etc.)... so your exposure to females in nursing school will also be to a very diverse but unique demographic of women (just like your exposure to females in an auto shop class or an arts/crafts workshop will expose you to yet another diverse but unique demographic of women)...

KnarfKS · Apr 22, 2006

I have stayed single my entire way through school, by my own choice.

"The ODDS are good, but the goods are ODD." That really does explain it.

I did meet one of the graduates from the last class though. Seeing her tommorrow. I now feel as though there might be time to pursue something. This is the first time since the start of the program that I thought it to be possible because of the time commitment.

Like many others have said, nursing does help men be more comfortable around women. This is probably why I can talk to women, I now have many women as friends unlike the majority of men. It irritates my friends that I can go talk to women without having any inclination to pursue anything, but they are too afraid. haha