Gay male nurse stereotype?

Nursing Students Male Students

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So, a question has arisen in my mind since I have been in CNA class waiting for nursing school to start.

There are only 2 guys in my class of 25, and the other guy is married and I'm gay. After doing clinicals in the hospital, I have yet to see another gay male CNA or nurse.

Where does this stereotype come from? I am not seeing it at all.

I'm not gay, but if I need intimate care I would accept a gay male nurse over a female nurse any day.

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Hey everyone. This will seem off topic but I'll steer it into the right direction. I actually am not going into nursing, but considered it. I came across this forum post and found it fascinating, because I am going into Physical Therapy. Now I am not the most macho guy, I am androgenous (somewhat female, and male charateristics and mannerisms), and I am homosexual. I am afraid that my personality might be an issue, even though I have a strong desire to work in healthcare. I feel like people will classify me as a wussy, and that I am not compentent like other "straight men" are. It's definitely an issue I am struggling with, but know I can overcome. Stereotypes are always in people's way. I may have some feminine tendencies, but it by no means should imply that I am a waste of space in PT. Same for you guys in nursing. Suck it up, and don't let people stand there and question you as a person. Just give top notch patient treatment, and no one can question your integrity.

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Specializes in Radiologic Technologist, now in Nursing.

King Cody,

I say....step in to your AUTHENTIC self. Whatever that is.

People will only see your competence and will immediately be grateful if you help them get well.

If people don't understand you then there is a great opportunity for you to demonstrate how cool it is to let different people in to your reality.

I say...follow your dreams. Step in to your authentic reality. Be who you are. Other people do not matter.

Just follow your heart.

John in New Mexico

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Specializes in mental health.
Stereotypes are always in people's way.

Yes, but it's blocking their way...not yours.

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Thank you gentlemen. Definitely reassuring. I love everything about rehabilitation, and that's what will shine through, not my preference of the same sex.

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Well to be honest, I am in a personal situation similar to yours. I have found that it doesn't have to be your problem, in fact most don't have any issue with it and its no problem at all. And I don't think that those who have some sort of moral objection to your personal life automatically will equate that with a lack of professional competence. Just depends on who you're dealing with, and usually, it is their problem. Do your best, study hard and the rest usually falls into place. A huge mistake I made in the first couple years of school was being overly preoccupied with how classmates regarded me. The more I focused on it, in retrospect, there worse it made things. Being yourself and relaxing, not worrying about being perfect all the time is the best advice I can give anyone, especially another gay person. Also, don't take your eye off the prize, and sometimes that means putting personal life on the back burner.

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Specializes in ED, psych, burn ICU, hospice.

I am a "male nurse," and I have been nursing for "a while". I have 4 college degrees and am currently working on my MSN (acute care NP). I appreciate the ideas that we can win over patients and people in general by being genuine & doing great patient care. BUT, trust me, it can be rough (understatement) when you are perceived as gay.

There is a huge study going on right now by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) regarding workplace violence (emotional, spiritual, verbal, physical). Nursing, period, can be abusive, and when you are perceived as gay, or even alternative, you must be prepared to be raked over the coals.

I have been called everything but my name. I have had my life threatened by patients (and sort of by staff, too). I do not mean to be be discouraging, or come across as not being supportive. Hope for the best, but prepared for the worst...

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Hi all,

I am a new student, just finishing my first quarter, I am 42 years old, I am gay, and I am VERY proud to be called a nurse (after I graduate of course!). I have wanted to be a nurse since I was a little kid, but thirty years ago my mother told me only women should be nurses. Instead, I worked for the family business doing drill shaft foundations. With the turn of the economy, we lost the business. I decided it was time to fulfill my childhood dream. I just came across this site by accident and joined. I was surprised to see a Male Nursing Student Forum and even more surprised to find this thread. I for one am very glad this thread did not get 'killed', it really puts my fears to rest. Having worked in construction most of my life I do not fit the 'stereotype' of a gay man - not that that is a good or bad thing - it is just me. I really had no idea what to expect, I am the only gay man out five us in a class of 24 students. I have never been asked if I was gay before nor have I been confronted with being stereotyped, so it does help me to know that all the straight men are facing the same discrimination that I expect to see in the future at some point. I am sorry that they have to face it too - but at least I will know not to take it personally. I have honestly learned quite a lot from reading this thread, it is great to know what and how my future co-workers are thinking and feeling. I am very encouraged. Thank you all for sharing so openly and honestly about a topic that most men would shy away from. :)

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gay or straight. that does not define what type of nurse you are. I am proud to stand and work to any male nurse. and hell why not get a beer watch some football after a hard days work

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by the way my wife is taking her masters in marriage and family therapy and according to her school and the news the words gay, homosexual, or any other type of word can come as of being something negative. so the correct term is SAME SEX. just wanted to share this because I never knew.

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Specializes in Skilled Nursing, Rehab, LTC.

I thought I would see more gay men in nursing, but I would dare say I have only met one the whole time I've been in the field, and that was in nursing school. I'm gay and I assumed there was some truth to the stereotype, but I guess I was wrong :D I'm an LPN and I work in long-term care, so maybe all the gay studs are in other branches of nursing.

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Specializes in Infectious Disease, Neuro, Research.
by the way my wife is taking her masters in marriage and family therapy and according to her school and the news the words gay, homosexual, or any other type of word can come as of being something negative. so the correct term is SAME SEX. just wanted to share this because I never knew.

But that refers to sex and differentiation, so that will, in the immediate future, be "negative" as well.:rolleyes:

Pcfeces. (Say that 10 times fast!)

giveface is spot on, as is ROLO. I'm hetero, and have had more than a few co-workers of varying alternative lifestyles. Be polite and professional, and most people won't care. Sooner or later, tho', someone will, just take it FWIW. Really not much different than being a well-spoken white dude in inner-Detroit or Chitcago, an African American with a heavy Bronx accent in the Hamptons, or ...take your pick. The closer one is to the stereotype, the more aggressive the reaction will likely be.

If you deliver good care, you'll have friends that count.;):up:

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