The Guys Club: Guy Students Come on In!

Nursing Students Male Students

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Hi All!

I'm a crazy father of 2 ex-premed who just recently turned down Northwestern to go into a RN program.

I already have an Associate in Science, but I'll be getting another ADN and then go to a 4 yr school.

When I went to an info session about the RN program ill be trying to get into, out of like 70 ppl only 5 were guys.

So I want to know are there any men out there?

Yeah... I know you're right. At some level, I think it all amounts to jealousy. Not necessarily that I am pursuing nursing. Jealousy that I am willing to toss aside 15 years worth of career experience. The climbing of the ladder, the constant learning of new software, and a decade and a half of building professional relationships - a network spanning 7 states - to take a chance on something new.

I can't help but think that those of us who have been faced with making this decision as a career change. As a move to something more stable and fulfilling, are in many ways very courageous. I think that some of those around us that want to give us crap for our decision are the ones that really hate what they do and wish they could find the nerve to do something similar.

Meanwhile, I'm breaking out with acne from my nervousness over the math placement test. I was always a fair student - just miserable in Algebra. So now I have to test into a high enough Algebra class that I can get it out of the way without having to start with "math for special kids" and work my way up. It's nauseating. I know I'll be fine once I get past it - but for this first attempt at school, that's my biggest worry. Then the paying for classes and finances and... etc.

It's exciting - it's also frightening beyond words.

====== C(^^) Here's to manning up to a challenge. Thank God we have a place like this to share our frustrations.

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Specializes in med-surg.

HEY HEY!!

I am in an ADN program in the Houston area. We have a surprising number of guys (about 10-12 out of 70). I'm in my second semester and now is the time that it's getting crazy. I am actually procrastinating at this very moment.

Just thought I would introduce myself.

have fun

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i am a male student nurse of el camino college in torrance, ca, who is currently in his first semester of a two year adn program. i am about start my clinical on 4/4/08---and i'm deathly afraid of it, which suggests that at this current state of being ought to make one very conscientious of one's actions, and as far as learning goes would enable one to retain more information, hopefully. however, am still grasping my way here and there, but very excited in doing some thought experiments along the way, employing some of the theories learned, and will learn in the future. it's a huge laboratory out there, would love to tease out well-defined patterns of human behaviours interacting in their natural environment in sickness and health. excited and scared, m.

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Just a little follow up - week four of my CNA program next Saturday and I'm really enjoying this class. I tested into Intermediate Algebra and get to start those pre-requisites this week! I'm a bit nervous, but I am enjoying class so far.

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Howdy!! Im in a 2 yr ADN course(now second semester). I believe we started the class off with around 230 students, and I bet there isn't even 20 guys! I know we are down below 170 students now and lost a few guys as well!! So far soo good. best o l uck to ya ll

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Specializes in Vent Unit Nurse.

I'm a thirty year old nursing student in my first year in the nursing program at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey. I was on the waiting list since 2005. i just got in this January. I've been working as a CNA close to home. I have to admit it is not fun.Moest of the women I work with are great cannot complain, but there are a few that can turn your hair white if you let it..I one of eight in my particular intro to nursing class.i feel thats a pretty good percentage...

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).
I'm a thirty year old nursing student in my first year in the nursing program at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey. ...

Dude, I live like 15 minutes from Brookdale!

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Hey jaywolves and BChahc,

I admire your ambition and desire for something different. I too have been faced with the similar feeling of needing a career change, except I've been a bartender/server for a long time. It makes great money, but has absolutely no future in it. So about 5 years ago, I decided to go back to college, which as you well know, is quite intimidating.

Anyway, to make a long story short, I got used to the new routine of school/work/family (in that order), and I graduate in August from a BSN program in Florida. I love what I am learning, and it is very rewarding at the end of the day.

The BEST part about nursing is that is so diverse. If you don't like med/surg, you can go to cardiac, if you don't like that, you can work in peds, etc.etc.

You will never have to struggle to find a job in your local area, and you can make as much money as you want $$$$. OT is almost always available, and if not, you can work at a second hospital per diem for probably twice what you would make at your first job.

The sky's the limit gentlemen, so forget the naysayers. You will soon have the skills necessary to save lives, which in my opinoin, is way more critical to life's knowledge than what today's plastic society has to offer

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I just wanted to throw something out there for many would-be nurses that you may not be aware of.

The U.S. Air Force has been doing some serious recruiting of RN's lately. In fact, they are offering up to $25,000 sign on bonuses for BSN's. BSN's would be the ones to primarily benefit from joining. they would immediately be started off as a leutenant, and make a very good starting salary. I think the contract is for either 4 or 6 years, I can't remember.

So, if anyone is interested in this, I'm sure all you have to do is contact your local Air Force recruitor.

It's not personally for me, but thought I'd let you know about another job opportunity available for nurses out there.

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yeah, there are a few. There are 2 in my class of 20, and like 12 in my school of 100. While my female classmates are pretty cool, sometimes it does get wierd. Like when they talk about the hottest guys on TV, or their period, or giving birth, or talk about men being the scum of the earth. you know, girl talk.

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Hello gentlemen. I just wanted to say hello because I, like everyone here, have taken the plunge into a Nursing career. The words of encouragment I see floating around this board is so uplifting and makes me realize I am doing the right thing. I'm only 26, and have been working in the IT field for 2 years. I'm not 15 to 20 years in like I see a lot of my fellow career changers are, but it's been enough for me to realize how much I dislike the corporate world. I felt kind of, well, ashamed at first because I busted my @ss through college and have a Bachelor's in Computer Engineering and a Master's in IT, just to work in the field for a few years and go "Eh....this isn't for me, time for something new." It makes me fearful that I may never find the career path that I feel fulfilled in at the end of the day. However, reading the posts on this forum have helped me to understand that I'm glad I'm making this choice now, and now suffering in a field that I can't stand any longer. I have been officially accepted to Georgetown University's 2nd Degree Bachelor's program starting in August (I just found out yesterday....phew, such a relief) so I am well on my way to making the change. Thank you everyone for the words of encouragment I see and good luck to all!

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Dude, I live like 15 minutes from Brookdale!

And so am I!

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