How to deal with stereotypes and vicious people

[rnhopeful2014]

Hello all,

I am a 19 yo male student in a pre-licensure program completing the last of my pre-reqs. The way it works at my school is that after you complete the pre reqs you get your student nurse title and start clinicals the following year. So many of my classmates have not been succesful, and I am just one test from getting my letter in the mail after taking a summer class. I guess I just need some motivation and input on this situation. I went to dinner with a female friend who I go to school with tonight who I just happen to like. I have been after this goal of getting into nursing school after my grandma died in my sophomore year of high school and my academic record was atrocious. A long story made short I have been working feverishly to prove myself to have the motivation brains and smarts to accomplish this goal that I have had for four years now. At dinner tonight her dad asked me why does a guy like you want to go into nursing in my day only **** and weirdos go into nursing. I don't understand why so many people feel a need to put us down for our goal which I am not afraid to bleed sweat and even cry for this goal. I am having no doubts of my decision to become a nurse, cause it is my dream my passion and something that I am going to make happen. I guess I just need some kind words of motivation to help me get through this week. I am over 1,000 miles from home and communication of such hatred to my parents is so difficult to my parents who are completely supportive of this goal. How have you guys dealt with the laughter behind your back, and other mean jokes?

** Please once again kind and appropriate responses are much welcomed, and its hard to put yourself out there like this to strangers, please please please.. if you have nothing nice to say refrain from commenting on this thread.

Also, I do not have an inbox yet, thank you in advance!

[oklamedic2011]

I just laugh in their face, then ask them to hold my bags of money. If that doesn't work, I like to go with the "I get to work with beautiful women on a daily basis, why wouldn't I pick this profession?" Funny responses to a serious bias we as male nurses encounter, but I always respond with humor, so just my 2 cents....keep the change

[Zooey72]

I wouldn't care what the guy said, but if you feel the need to respond I would have gone with something equally sexist and stupid. "In it for the girls sir. Everyone knows nurses are easy". And than wink at his daughter.

But that's just me, and I deal with things like that by being a smart ass.

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

Ok..then define "positive" response? You use that word as if you hold the only definition of it. If someone is on the verge of death should you tell them they will be fine or tell them the truth? Which is the "positive" response. Is there not times a positive response is to wipe your nose and get up and move forward? OR should it just be feel sorry for people and tell them it will be "ok" and it is everyone else's fault? I am just asking because you are stating the only correct response is a "positive" response. I am amazed at the amount of people on here who "know" the definite answer to everything. Why is seeking out "people who support your interest" better? Can you explain? The best incentive for me was joining the military at 18. I would not say that BCT drill sergeants were nice to me. Yet it motivated me and gave me direction. I am not saying my way is right and any other way is wrong. That is the point. The idea that feeling sorry for people is "positive" makes me shake my head, but whatever works man.

[JohnLouisTomines]

Brother... When your doing something worth it in any endeavor, there are people that will have opinions. Besides, we're all entitled to it. Channel that energy to finish nursing school or get into Nursing school.

I just got in to Nursing School and will start next week. It wasn't a straight road, A lot of doubters, and people want to stray you away from your goal.

Always keep your WHY with you all the time along your journey... Do it for your grandma or for the people that you admire. I honestly get my motivation from my two young brothers in the Philippines that someday I'll be able to take them here to the U.S. and experience the American Dream.

Keep your head up and try to change your circle of influence (People you hang out with)

-Things that your reading.

-Things that your watching.

-People you interact with.

Build a positive social Network...

Life is too short too hang out with people that are negative. Pay some respects and bounce... Godlike!

[nursingFTW]

Nursing is a great career, no matter what gender, sexuality, religion you are.

Don't let anybody tell you otherwise.