Do people view male nursing students differently?

[LeO13]

I had a chat with a couple of people whom I work with at the hospital and outside of work. When asked about what I'm going to school for, I simply reply back " I'm going to school for nursing." Most of the response I get back were either *** are you kidding me or OH WOW that's something different. I'm not sure if it's because they judge me based on how I look or whatever it may be. Any of you guys out there have also been viewed differently when asked about what are they going in to school for?

[anonymousstudent]

I'm not trying to be rough when I say this, I promise. But welcome to the world of the other half of the human race. There are very few careers women can go into without getting that crap. Sure it's gotten better, but it's gotten better for male nurses too, yet you're still hearing it.

This is a second career for me, and one of the first times I've ever felt like it didn't surprise people. There are still tons of stereotypes out there, you're probably just not as used to having to deal with them. The way to manage it? IGNORE THEM. Old habits die hard. Nurses were women for a long time, and that was in large part due to men. I'm not saying that you are to bare the brunt of men making sexists, marginalizing decisions for decades, but it might be a little more difficult.

This is a perfect opportunity to educate people about what nursing really is. :) This is something ALL of us have to do. Once people realize that you are a professional, and that you know what you're doing, you'll be fine. If they don't care to hear it, don't waste your breath.

Good luck to you. :) The men in my program do just fine.

[Jonathank]

Anyone who still does a double-take when hearing about men in nursing is out of touch. Are there still people who are out of touch? Of course.

[AOx1]

I am a nursing instructor. The only thing I presume to be different about my male students would be anatomically, which is of no particular concern to me. A student is a student. I do find myself frustrated that they are still treated differently. For example, last year one of my male students was subjected to a lot of comments from female nurses about his appearance, and I had to remind them that if we would be upset to see a female objectified, then we shouldn't do it to a male. Also, I am frustrated when some patients accept a male physician, but decline a male nurse. How ridiculous! Students are there as prospective professionals, and I have never had any issues with any of my male students.

Also, I have encountered silly, ignorant people who feel the need to wonder about sexual orientation of male students; this does not deserve a polite response, so I usually note that this is not relevant to care. I do wonder why they ask, as this information is not relevant except to the student's potential partner.