Guys in Nursing...What's your Input?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello fellow nurses.

I'm a 21 year old male practical nursing student. I have worked in nursing for a little over a year now as a CNA and CMA. One think I have noticed is the very small percentage of males in this profession. I know the stereotype of male doctors have opened up to accept women doctors, but it seems that nursing is still an all women profession in many people's mind. Many of the ladies I take care of in the nursing home adress me doctor, only because I am a man (although it comes in helpfull when feeding sometimes "The doctor said I need to eat", but I always correct the patient when they refer to me as a doctor, don't need any felony charches for impersonating an MD, lol). The few people who are used to see guys in nursing always ask me if I am gay. (I am happily engaged and getting married next september .:roll )

What I would like to know is your experiences with guys in nursing, is it this unusual for a straight guy to consider nursing as a profession. I really love being in nursing.

Most men when thinking of entering a profession that requires a college degree don't consider nursing because of the lack of pay, prestiege and autonomy. Many that come into it would much rather be the doctor but for various reasons they do not pursue it.

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Specializes in PACU, PICU, ICU, Peds, Education.

Until last year when my new working partner started, I was usually the only female nurse around. The OR nurses were all guys and my partner in PACU was male. I would send patients to ICU (male charge nurses and easily over 50% male staff) or to the ortho floors staffed entirely by male nurses on our track!

My unit overall has about 30% male RN's employed. And 75% of the CNA's are male.

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Specializes in PACU, PICU, ICU, Peds, Education.

Until last year when my new working partner started, I was usually the only female nurse around. The OR nurses were all guys and my partner in PACU was male. I would send patients to ICU (male charge nurses and easily over 50% male staff) or to the ortho floors staffed entirely by male nurses on our track!

My unit overall has about 30% male RN's employed. And 75% of the CNA's are male.

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I for one would certainly welcome more males into our profession.

It is about time as we NEED, MORE assertive RNs who are willling to stand up and fight for what is needed to keep this profession afloat. Since the majority have always been women who by nature are less assertive and demanding (possibly because they are heads of household, juggling home jobs and professional jobs, just too overwhelmed to focus on fighting for nurse's needs to advance the profession, etc)

How can we attract more caring people to our profession when we constantly accept the working conditions that we work under without a fight????

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I for one would certainly welcome more males into our profession.

It is about time as we NEED, MORE assertive RNs who are willling to stand up and fight for what is needed to keep this profession afloat. Since the majority have always been women who by nature are less assertive and demanding (possibly because they are heads of household, juggling home jobs and professional jobs, just too overwhelmed to focus on fighting for nurse's needs to advance the profession, etc)

How can we attract more caring people to our profession when we constantly accept the working conditions that we work under without a fight????

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Our ER is loaded with guys, as is our ICU. On med surg there are fewer guys but they are out there. No one has asked me if I'm gay. I'm precepting a very straight male right now. I'm a bit disappointed in him and trying not to stereotype, but he is not very nurturing and only interested in finishing his orientation so he can quit, work agency, and start making lots of money, and get some experience so he can work in ICU. I think the gay guys are awesome nurses, more nuturing than some of the straight ones I've seen. (Now of course, I'll get yelled at. I know that this isn't really true, just steorotyping sorry. Straight guys make awesome nurses too!)

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Our ER is loaded with guys, as is our ICU. On med surg there are fewer guys but they are out there. No one has asked me if I'm gay. I'm precepting a very straight male right now. I'm a bit disappointed in him and trying not to stereotype, but he is not very nurturing and only interested in finishing his orientation so he can quit, work agency, and start making lots of money, and get some experience so he can work in ICU. I think the gay guys are awesome nurses, more nuturing than some of the straight ones I've seen. (Now of course, I'll get yelled at. I know that this isn't really true, just steorotyping sorry. Straight guys make awesome nurses too!)

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I am one of the most nurturing caring compassionate nurses you will ever meet.And Iam NOT gay. almost took offense to your post 3rdshiftguy.

stereotyping is never good!

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I am one of the most nurturing caring compassionate nurses you will ever meet.And Iam NOT gay. almost took offense to your post 3rdshiftguy.

stereotyping is never good!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I know Mark, I was wrong in stating that. Because it is not true and I know it. Sexual preference, sex, age, race, etc. has nothing to do with whether someone is a good nurse or a bad nurse. Let me say however, the two best male nurses on my unit happen to be gay, and the straight male nurses on my floor are awful. That is only two people out of the whole hospital. The "Nurse of the Year" was a male nurse in CCU, and I know him well, have worked with him, he's the most awesome nurse around (it is an insignificant fact that he is straight). Am I babbling?

Again, sincere apologies.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I know Mark, I was wrong in stating that. Because it is not true and I know it. Sexual preference, sex, age, race, etc. has nothing to do with whether someone is a good nurse or a bad nurse. Let me say however, the two best male nurses on my unit happen to be gay, and the straight male nurses on my floor are awful. That is only two people out of the whole hospital. The "Nurse of the Year" was a male nurse in CCU, and I know him well, have worked with him, he's the most awesome nurse around (it is an insignificant fact that he is straight). Am I babbling?

Again, sincere apologies.

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I just have a problem with any type of stereotyping or discrimination.:)

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