Hi
So I'm a young, single, heterosexual male nurse, and I'm well aware that I'm somewhat of a minority, as most nurses are female, and the ones that aren't, are often gay (yes, I know that is just a silly stereotype, and there's nothing wrong with being gay, but that's beside my point).
Thing is, I'm not even remotely feminine- I have a beard, I listen to heavy metal, I climb mountains, I work out, etcetera. But I get paranoid that most people probably perceive me as a little "girly" or "possibly homosexual", when I talk about being a nurse. I feel especially insecure about my masculinity when I'm walking home wearing my uniform past some heavy set dudes doing roadworks or construction or something "manly". Sometimes, I've even lied about studying nursing at uni- I've sometimes said I'm studying engineering, to seem more masculine.
I'm not ashamed of being a nurse- I'm damn proud! But I feel a little insecure due to the silly non-masculine stereotypes associated with my career choice. I'm also single and looking for a girlfriend, but I sense that women might think I'm gay, or unmanly, due to my profession. Maybe I'm just being paranoid.
Anyway, my main question is- ladies, do you find male nurses attractive? Do you like the idea of a man taking care of you? Or does it seem unmanly and unattractive?
Regards - Sykadia
Respectfully, I can see from a professional standpoint that you may find his comment about women "liking" care from male nurses inappropriate, but I do not think he meant it that way. It seems to me his comment was informal and did not refer to the actual enjoyment or lack thereof of a play-by-play scenario of being cared for by a male nurse. I think the point behind his question is how a lady would view a man in terms of the attractiveness of a male caregiver, not the actual caring part itself (which is obviously very private and does not need to be discussed at any time other than for professional reasons). Like I said, I get your point. But I don't think the meaning behind his question was geared in the way you interpreted it.
So, according to your response, a major part of the posters personality, looks, strength,and social perceptions, as well as society's view of him is, "[COLOR=#000000] in need of education (kindly answer) or a take-down as to the insignificance of his male-ness ." [/COLOR]
[COLOR=#000000]So, the fact that female physicians have suffered for decades due to their "femaleness." should ignored because "[/COLOR]gender enters into my interaction with my peers NEVER"
@Scroll89:I know this isn't relevant to the post, but... Thank you for not giving this guy the third degree! After I responded to this person's thread, I read a few other responses from people (I assume) are female.
They seemed more intent on being condescending and judgmental rather than actually respond back with an answer that may help or clarify this person's problem.
I think I read about 5 posts in a row before someone actually said something non-judgmental and helpful.
Sorry all you other negative users! It seems like a lot of people take things too personally, want to jump down people's throats when given the chance, and are overly patronizing.
I thought nursing was about providing sincere care and teamwork in the work place! This guy let it be public his insecurities, and everyone just tore him apart! OMG.
Please don't take offense to this post, either!
Sigh.
When one posts on an public Internet forum, one should be prepared for a variety of responses. This is Internetz 101. They're not all going to be fuzzy and heartwarming. I personally found it amusing. So to state "my gosh, I can't believe people are being so judgmental!" when the OP began this thread as a QUESTION, people are going to respond with their thoughts and opinions, whether they're what the OP *wants* to hear or not. If he's afraid of judgment, it's quite simple: don't post. Otherwise, take what you want from the thread, leave the rest behind.
And speaking of patronizing, your post is overly ripe with it.
Young man, I have been a male nurse for 21 yrs and prior to finding my wife 11yrs ago, who is also a nurse, I dated a few RNs, and a RT. So I don't think that being a male nurse is a hinderance, just be you and have confidence in yourself. Your career choice shouldn't matter, but I must say that being a male nurse was a great career choice for myself in more ways one. Cheers
Dear pixierose
I said "Your casual dismissal of his [the original poster's] concerns reminds me [i should have said is similar to in TYPE to that] of white people casually dismissing black people's experience of racism. Of course sexual identity doesn't affect YOU, you are the majority."
You, pixierose responded, saying, "This comment is just disgusting on so many levels."
to which I respond, ,"Please elaborate. I look forward to being re-educated. I await your wisdom."
roser13, ASN, RN
6,504 Posts
Who is the "you" in your post?