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?
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."
I await your ability to use the Quote function on this website. I will educate you in the wisdom of doing so and the technical skills required, if necessary.
As with all wisdom, I wait anxiously to receiving it from you. Please educate ME in the wisdom of doing so, IT IS necessary.
This is getting a little juvenile. I like coming to this website because I enjoy being able to have a debate like an adult. Usually, the members on this site are all wonderfully educated and I always learn a lot, even when there are many people disagreeing with one another on a topic. I'm not a moderator but, please, enough of this.
As with all wisdom, I wait anxiously to receiving it from you. Please educate ME in the wisdom of doing so, IT IS necessary.
It IS necessary that you get a clue about using the internet. Educate yourself. Get up to speed. In the name of all that is holy, use the Quote function.
It IS necessary that you get a clue about using the internet. Educate yourself. Get up to speed. In the name of all that is holy, use the Quote function.
It IS necessary that you get a clue about using the internet. Educate yourself. Get up to speed. In the name of all that is holy, use the Quote function.
I rarely use this forum, and the more I use it, the more I understand why.
Personally, I've been a nurse for 25+ yrs and that stereotype is finally changing. In my opinion, nearly all the male nurses I've dealt with as peers and as my nurse, have been extremely professional and a lot of times more compassionate than many female nurses I've been in contact with. And the little old ladies love male nurses. Nursing for the most part is a highly respected position and you should be proud of this major accomplishment in your life. I feel like maybe since you say you're young, you may still be a little insecure. In time, I bet you'll stick out your chest and hold your head high. Being a nurse is a noble profession regardless of gender. Most Docs I know wouldn't even be able to do it, and know so. So hang in there.
Specializes in Ambulatory Care, LTC, OB, CCU, Occ Hth.
Career is just one aspect of a person, and while it possesses a certain significance in choosing a person with whom to spend one's life, in the grand scheme the nature of your inquiry is centered on shallowness.
At the end of the day, attraction is relative to person, circumstance, time, and God only knows what else.
I'm not a woman so this may not be an opinion the OP is exactly looking for, but when it comes to relationships it all boils down to a basic concept: are they a good person or not?
I'm most irritated by the fact most people buy into the illusion that gender and professional competence in nursing (and other professions) are so tightly linked.
Reading comments that support men in nursing because they are super helpful when it comes to the physical aspects of the profession irritates me.
That is also the case when people say things like "I can see men in maternity or post partum maybe being an issue" and "the guys I went to nursing school with even did well in maternity clinicals; if anything they were more embarrassed than anything else."
Comments like that imply that men are sex crazed beasts incapable of controlling their libidinous impulses even as a human infant is making its way out of a lady parts.
True professionals focus on the tasks at hand thus rendering any commentary on gender, sex, and dating as they relate to nursing identity irrelevant
The stereotype that male nurses are gay is still strong today. Turn on your television and you'll see the stereotype. The sassy gay nurse that is overly friendly. Is the stereotype accurate? No.
On the contrary. I understand exactly where you're coming from with the exact words and questions that OP used. I am interpreting the questions a little differently based on the impression that OP communicated his meaning poorly, because human beings often say words that convey a message a little different from what they intended to say. He didn't say anything about being attracted to patients, but to women. If what he really meant was along the lines of "Do you get hot under the collar when a male nurse takes care of you as a patient?" then yes, that's really frickin disgusting. If he meant "Would women in general find a man who is a nurse attractive?" that's an innocent question. OP hasn't come back to clarify, so I'm not going to bother thinking it over any harder because my interpretation of his words doesn't change anything.
Communication is complicated, and multiple people with equally strong critical thinking skills can each interpret a statement differently.
Agree with you. Frankly, I think it shows a lack of critical thinking to not understand that everyone's perception of his statement could be different. When I read OP post I just thought he was someone that was insecure/uncomfortable in his role as a male nurse. I didn't get the impression that he was being creepy. So maybe Roser13 should examine her critical thinking skills before she comes after those that don't share her view point.
roser13, ASN, RN
6,504 Posts
I await your ability to use the Quote function on this website. I will educate you in the wisdom of doing so and the technical skills required, if necessary.