Hi there, I am entering university for my first year of nursing in Sept. I have been working in retail for 12 years, so I am good at handling all sorts of people. The thing is I am 6' tall 200lbs, have a shaved head and a goatee. Now I have never really cared what people think about the way I look, and more than a few have told me that I look intimidating, and some have said I am down right scary.
Looking scary or tough is nice when I am walking around the bad neighborhood, but I have found that some people go on the defensive very quick because they seem scared or intimidated. I am good at diffusing tense situations; I have talked my way out of some real hairy ones. I feel I have a positive attitude and try to encourage all those around me to be their best.
I guess when I think of what a nurse should look like, even a male, I do not see the image of some bald ugly guy as the ideal. I just wonder if this will cause more problems than it can solve. Yes I am very strong physically so I would not have too hard of a time moving patients, heck I used to unload trucks that were filled with frozen meat, and the hunks of beef weighed almost as much as a person.
I wonder will a tough looking exterior give people the initial impression that I am not possible of nursing, and lead to needless verbal confrontations. Are there other men in my situation? Again I am referring to first impressions, I am very polite and respectful of those around me. After I talk to most people they see that I am really harmless. I just worry about those people who will refuse to know me because they feel so intimidated.
Anyways have gone on too long I just thought that I would air this curiosity of mine and see of there are any other men that have this problem or maybe thought the way I did. Ohh yeah, is there a way a male nurse should look?
Specializes in LTC, home health, critical care, pulmonary nursing.
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Ummmm...HOW handy ?
Z
I work in a facility that tailors to behavioral problems, and when you've got a resident who's flipping out, his stature is an asset. Also, for such a massive intimidating looking person, he's one of the most soft spoken people I've ever met. He can diffuse an outburst as quick as he can keep the person from killing the staff. He's a good nurse. Crappy administrator, but a good nurse.
Specializes in LTC, home health, critical care, pulmonary nursing.
Crappy administrator but a good nurse.[/i']
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Z
Well, it's true. All he does is hide in his office doing his homework for his BSN program. He's there all the time, I think to get away from his eleven children.
Well, it's true. All he does is hide in his office doing his homework for his BSN program. He's there all the time, I think to get away from his eleven children.
i'm 6' 220# and have gotten my share of wide eyed looks when i first enter a room. even had more than a few patients comment on my size. i've had very few problems with people going into defensive mode and the few that have were mostly under the influence of something.
you already have a leg up on most by already having worked with the general public. irate people are irate people. being able to take a verbal assault, being able to listen and keeping your cool is a very handy skill to possess.
I am 6', 225. I have a mustache and during the winter I usually grow the goatee (it gets cold here in Wisconsin!) I must admitt that I have had a few patients look me up and down, but I can also tell you how great it feels to have one take you by the hand look into you eyes and say "you are really nice, thank you". I always try to enter my patients rooms with a smile on my face (it really helps).
I must say there are times when size helps though, such as when a patient is combative or confused.
I agree with the other that you need to change your name here. Follow your dream and you will never be a loser!
...during my first clinicals one of the floor nurses was bald, tall and big. His smile lit the room and he was so approachable. I now work with a former fireman who is an NA and going to go to nursing school. He is big, tall and bald, but his demeaner is the same as the other nurse. We love him, esp. when we need some back up with a verbally abusive or threatening pt. And he asks for our help with some of the little older ladies who love him to tears but don't want him to do personal care. TEAM WORK!!
...good luck and change your name to something positive, like Winner, Tops, or something cool. God bless.
Looks are only part of the equation. How you carry yourself, your body language, your stance, the look at your face conveys much more than a shaved head and goatee.
Look at the guys in the pictures above. Their body language and smiles speak volumes for the caring person inside.
When I meet a new patient, nothing says "I am a friendly & caring nurse" like a big smile as soon as I step in the room, that is the first thing that a patient notices about me...even the really sick & miserable patient like to see that smile...
We are there to make them feel better, even if it was for just a moment
z's playa
2,056 Posts
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Ummmm...HOW handy ?
Z