Do women find male nurses attractive?

[Sykadia]

Hi

So I'm a young, single, heterosexual male nurse, and I'm well aware that I'm somewhat of a minority, as most nurses are female, and the ones that aren't, are often gay (yes, I know that is just a silly stereotype, and there's nothing wrong with being gay, but that's beside my point).

Thing is, I'm not even remotely feminine- I have a beard, I listen to heavy metal, I climb mountains, I work out, etcetera. But I get paranoid that most people probably perceive me as a little "girly" or "possibly homosexual", when I talk about being a nurse. I feel especially insecure about my masculinity when I'm walking home wearing my uniform past some heavy set dudes doing roadworks or construction or something "manly". Sometimes, I've even lied about studying nursing at uni- I've sometimes said I'm studying engineering, to seem more masculine.

I'm not ashamed of being a nurse- I'm damn proud! But I feel a little insecure due to the silly non-masculine stereotypes associated with my career choice. I'm also single and looking for a girlfriend, but I sense that women might think I'm gay, or unmanly, due to my profession. Maybe I'm just being paranoid.

Anyway, my main question is- ladies, do you find male nurses attractive? Do you like the idea of a man taking care of you? Or does it seem unmanly and unattractive?

Regards - Sykadia

[emb92250]

I've always loved working with male nurses because they help balance out the unit culture. And they are very helpful in moving/ambulating/turning patients. I've thought of several male nurses as attractive. However, being a nurse myself, I think I'm less biased than other women. If you want to make sure your career choice doesn't affect how others see you, tell people you work in the "healthcare field." It's very broad. And when they start to get to know you, you can decide when you feel comfortable telling them you're a nurse.

But seriously, once you've been a nurse for a while, I think you'll find it's not a big deal to be a male nurse.

[ED_Murse]

Personal experience- a lot of male nurses I've met have been gay, and it's well-known as a stereotype

There is a large contingent of guys in my dept. 100% hetro. Just because it's a well known stereotype doesn't mean that it's an accurate one.

Edit - plus what does it matter at the end of the day. Male, female, gay or not, we're all nurses and our gender or sexual orientation doesn't make us any better at doing our job.

[ArrowRN, BSN, RN]

OP, not really a question to ask in an "allnurses" forum, because you will get a lot of backlash...like you did. Being male nurse myself, I was married before even going to nursing school, so I can't answer your questions but I do tend to notice younger men concerned about these things. Based on experience most men who get into nursing are either married to woman or to close one, who is NOT in the nursing profession, so it's really a bad idea to ask a bunch of female nurses. But in general though, women would prefer a guy not to ask that question because it brings out insecurities and lack of confidence...not qualities they look for. So you kinda shot yourself in the foot. Please do yourself a favor, get out there meet different girls and never date where you work.

[Conqueror+, BSN, RN]

I think its great that you are thoughtful enough to ask the question and be honest about your insecurities. I had two male family members who became nurses young and were given the gay "side eye" until they got married and had families. I have always loved my male co workers and found many of them attractive before I got married and pushed my "every other man is ugly button" :). Be yourself and be confident. If she isn't attracted to you that then it's her loss. Good luck.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

I think you are unfairly sexualizing his use of 'like' when another interpretation could easily be made. I personally read his 'like' as in permit, consent, approve, allow, etc.

The thread's title wonders if women are "attracted" to male nurses. That question has a sexual connotation, as do the rest of OP's questions:

"ladies, do you find male nurses attractive?"

"Do you like the idea of a man taking care of you?"

"Or does it seem unmanly and unattractive?"

Had the OP merely asked if any women nurses had issues with a male caregiver, then the non-sexual intent would be clear. By couching these questions in the context that he did, there is no doubt in my mind of his intent, and it's entirely inappropriate.

[Krzysztof]

I wasn't gay until I began meeting female nurses.

Still more research to be done, but I'm working on a theory here.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Anyway, my main question is- ladies, do you find male nurses attractive? Or does it seem unmanly and unattractive?

They all find me very manly and attractive and I have to beat them all off with sticks and break at least 100 hearts a day.

[Krzysztof]

They all find me very manly and attractive and I have to beat them all off with sticks and break at least 100 hearts a day.

Ditto. It's a curse, but one I'm strong enough to face.

[NursesRmofun, ASN, RN]

Being attracted to someone male that is a nurse is doable, depending on the male that is a nurse. I'm not in the market for a partner, but I have met nice looking AND nice acting male nurses that I would consider if I was available.

[Wile E Coyote, ASN, RN]

Ditto. It's a curse, but one I'm strong enough to face.

I admire you and Boston's strength. Persevere, brothers!

[Axgrinder]

I'm a reasonably perceptive person being that I assess people for a living, and I can honestly say I've never met a gay male nurse yet that I'm aware of (though that may be in part due to sexual preference being such a non-issue at work in respect to job performance, or they just weren't telling).

For me personally a person's profession has no bearing on whether I find someone attractive or not. If person "X" really were to be attracted to person "Y" I just don't see where a job title would hold any sway in that decision, unless of course I found what they did for a living was abhorrent or repellent.

I could be wrong (it wouldn't be the first time - or last) but perhaps you're reading too much into this?

[fawnmarie, ASN]

The single male nurses I have worked with have always enjoyed a kind of "popularity" among the female staff members. In one unprofessional environment where I worked, a female nurse and a female technician engaged in a physical argument over a male nurse whom they both coveted. I have seen some male nurses embrace their popularity among the female staff and manipulate situations to their advantage. I don't think the OP should worry about being viewed as "less manly" by any means! My advice would be to stay professional, if and when he finds that he has become the object of a co-worker's affection.