Is nursing for me?

Published

I'm a freshman in community college. When deciding what I want to be I chose computer software coding stuff like that. Then I though do I really like this? I like complicated stuff and solving problems, but then I thought sitting on a computer everyday wasn't something I wasn't going to enjoy. I always had a huge interest for science from medical to physics to chemistry, how the world worked, how cancer worked, how exactly do chemicals react. I couldn't do all of that and I loved one more than the other I guess. For me it was medical.

I wanted to be a MD but I don't have the funds, it's a huge risk, I'm very impatient. So then I looked at nursing. I'm a guy btw. Nursing was a good alternative because you learn a lot about the human body in college, you get to interact with people, care for them, even maybe become a NP not for the money but for the extra knowledge you gain. But going into this i didn't know nursing was considered a "female" job I suppose. I don't want to be that *******or *******. I don't have any other alternatives I think this is the best for me but I still have doubts and I don't want any.

Any advice from other male nurses?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Welcome to AN! The largest online nursing community.

I think before you go into nursing you need to know that there are male nurses that are valuable to the team. However if your true desire is to be a MD then maybe PA (physician assistant) would be the best route for you it more closely follows the med school model.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
AAPA | How to Become a PA
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU.

Who cares how it's perceived? Make it your own. You are right that it is challenging, with lots of problem solving, and science! Titrating drugs, keeping someone alive (for example), is totally awesome. Men have their own brand of caring that is just as valid. Ask anyone who had a good Dad. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Honestly, after a few months of working as a nurse, being a "male" nurse does not even enter into my mind. It's similar to asking a woman physician, "what's it like being a female Dr.?" Or, a woman firefighter, "what's it like being a fire-woman?" It just doesn't matter. Then again, why would you listen to the opinion of someone who's basing their views on 40 year old stereotypes?

As far as what career to choose, choose something that you honestly want, not based off of what someone is saying would be good for you. I myself love nursing, but it is drastically different from being a physician, PA, or NP.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion