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?
And white males are the most privileged species on our planet.
As women, we experience far more sexism than men; even men in nursing.
Very true, but this does little to diminish the impact or the importance of those men that do receive forms of sexism related to employment. Rather, you would think that as females you would be more sympathetic to it.
Very true, but this does little to diminish the impact or the importance of those men that do receive forms of sexism related to employment. Rather, you would think that as females you would be more sympathetic to it.
Perhaps we should, but I for one have seen too many young men coming to this nursing forum asking how many advantages their maleness will garner them in the field of nursing due to their perceived rarity.
(off topic - back to "will females like male nurses?")
Perhaps we should, but I for one have seen too many young men coming to this nursing forum asking how many advantages their maleness will garner them in the field of nursing due to their perceived rarity.
(off topic - back to "will females like male nurses?")
That is a shame :/ The only advantages it has garnered me are universal (pay, plentiful jobs, air conditioning, clean fingernails). I haven't really received any significant sexism, other than being first picked for any lifting or agitated/aggressive patient type duties. That's only mildly annoying.
Specializes in Public Health, Maternal Child Health.
There sure is a lot of harsh replies here telling him it's a ridiculous questions and he's sooo insecure. So I'm just gonna say - hey dude, don't worry, it's not a big deal, and you will find love eventually!
No wonder some people are insecure when there's so many rude people out in the world making fun of someone for asking a question or seeking support. Sheesh relax people!
On the off chance you are an Australian (use of uni). I think nurses at least in my state are looked upon differently. It's not quite the status thing that America has. People seem to think you just five shots and empty some pills. And yes, men are seen as they would possibly be a homosexual
most males I am friends
with went either ICU, Emergency or Mental health. All the males I know are all (except one: heterosexuals.)
you will have lots of luck finding a female nurse to date. I personally don't think it's a smart idea. And also (very harshly, I know) think it's a bit pathetic when half the ward has a crush on their co-worker.
Not only this but having two people juggling shift work rosters and holidays would be difficult. So in the love department I would recommend staying outside of the constricted world of nurses. Besides most people at the end don't care what you do unless it's contraversial.
in terms of patients finding you attractive because you are male. This does happen. Obviously you will need to use your professional boundaries.
Good luck and I hope you don't let any of these replies (including my own, dissuade you)
There sure is a lot of harsh replies here telling him it's a ridiculous questions and he's sooo insecure. So I'm just gonna say - hey dude, don't worry, it's not a big deal, and you will find love eventually!
No wonder some people are insecure when there's so many rude people out in the world making fun of someone for asking a question or seeking support. Sheesh relax people!
Perhaps the chill pill should be taken by you. Don't like the answers? Simple! Don't read 'em! No need to dictate to the rest of the Internet.
That is a shame :/ The only advantages it has garnered me are universal (pay, plentiful jobs, air conditioning, clean fingernails). I haven't really received any significant sexism, other than being first picked for any lifting or agitated/aggressive patient type duties. That's only mildly annoying.
Bless you for being only mildly annoyed. I have often thought that if I were a big, tall male on a unit, I would be totally annoyed by the "Oh, hey! Let's let Nurse Bob handle it!"
As if Nurse Bob may or may not have his own physical issues.
OP, I unconsciously elected to measure my own 'manliness' by a different yardstick many years ago, but I understand that not everyone is like me. Much of my history and interests put me squarely in the 'man's man' realm, but I thoroughly enjoy challenging that social construct when something atypical suites me. I learned to sew to fix my damaged outdoor gear. I've gone around in public with painted nails courtesy of my wife and daughter. I think it's cool that one of my sons likes rainbows. I excelled in my OB/GYN rotations in school and in caring for laboring moms or for kids in my short years in ED. Blah, Blah, Blah. My comfort within my own skin is what makes me manly.
I met my husband on Match.com -- he's a nurse, but it was his voice, his intelligence and his ability to carry on a very intelligent conversation ----and we shared so many interests -- that was the attraction. I'm often said - we can talk work - or not. We are in very different specialties - so we've taught each other a lot. Bottom line - I was attracted to him. His profession was just interesting.
AddictionNurse
7 Posts
Very true, but this does little to diminish the impact or the importance of those men that do receive forms of sexism related to employment. Rather, you would think that as females you would be more sympathetic to it.