Men in Nursing

stbernardclub · Nov 24, 2004

tell the male you know if he is looking at nursing because he really wants to take care of people and educate, then as the tennis shoe company says "just do it"

I'm a male who is considering going back to school to become an RN. I'd like to know from other men in nursing:
what made you choose nursing as a career?
have you encountered any problems related to being a distinct minority?
bryan

nursemike, ASN, RN · Nov 24, 2004

Overall this has been a really insightful, intelligent, and sensitive conversation. I'm really impressed with the many comments submitted by the male nurses in this forum. I am, however, rather confused by the above quote and left wondering if it is a sarcastic joke or a true statement. If it is a serious statement, as a gay man myself and member of this forum, I do feel somewhat attacked by it. While we all have a right to our views and certainly not everyone will agree with us, I just couldn't imagine a situation where I would come out publicly on this list identifying myself as prejudiced against an entire group of people.

Well, there is always the old chestnut about homophobia= denial. Of course, that can get pretty complicated. If I flirt with a gay coworker to prove I'm not homophobic, isn't that a subtle form of homophobia?

But, seriously, I agree--homophobia is nothing to brag about. Indeed, while I do object to stereotypes that all or most male nurses are gay, it's a plain fact that many are. I don't know whether nursing attracts a larger percentage of the gay population, or nurses are simply more open about it. In any case, anyone entering the field ought to be prepared to respect diversity. We have an ethical obligation to do so, and it just makes life a whole lot easier.

nursemike, ASN, RN · Nov 24, 2004

Or atleast as intuitive as the women folk. :) You're right - I found myself behaving like this too. I often will do things which seem like whims to most folks but to me it's "just because it feels like it".
However, I've been warned - "gut feelings" aren't part of "professional" practise

I am reminded of some novice musicians who want to improvise before they master their instruments. Too often, all you end up with is noise. It sounds like you and I are probably in agreement that a solid foundation in science is important, but that intuition also has a part to play. As a student, I do recognize that my first job is to develop my knowledge base and critical thinking, but I do hope to always be open to the wisdom of my heart and my gut, as well.

NurseGuy_in_06 · Nov 24, 2004

I am reminded of some novice musicians who want to improvise before they master their instruments. Too often, all you end up with is noise. It sounds like you and I are probably in agreement that a solid foundation in science is important, but that intuition also has a part to play. As a student, I do recognize that my first job is to develop my knowledge base and critical thinking, but I do hope to always be open to the wisdom of my heart and my gut, as well.

I believe that intuition is your mind "remembering" things at the sub-conscious level and therefore intuition plays a big part in nursing. This is why I believe that overall men can be as effective in nursing as women when utilizing their intuition. However, as you stated, a good knowledge base as well as developing critical thinking are the essential first steps.

NurseGuy_in_06 · Nov 24, 2004

Overall this has been a really insightful, intelligent, and sensitive conversation. I'm really impressed with the many comments submitted by the male nurses in this forum. I am, however, rather confused by the above quote and left wondering if it is a sarcastic joke or a true statement. If it is a serious statement, as a gay man myself and member of this forum, I do feel somewhat attacked by it. While we all have a right to our views and certainly not everyone will agree with us, I just couldn't imagine a situation where I would come out publicly on this list identifying myself as prejudiced against an entire group of people.

Webster defines homophobia as "an irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals". By definition, then, I am not homophobic. I am a nursing student and want to learn my craft from the best nurses I can. I find it amazing that the nursing profession as a whole is so divided. My only "requirement" for accepting a fellow student is an affirmative answer to the following question: do you want to be a good nurse?

ICUnowOHN · Nov 24, 2004

I'm a guy, and I'm sure there have been people that have assumed under an outdated stereotype that because I chose to be a nurse that I'm homosexual. I'm not, by the way, but I really don't care if that's the case. I'm secure enough in my masculinity that I couldn't care less what they think. Anyone that takes the time to talk to me and get to know me would know better anyhow.

NurseGuy_in_06 · Nov 24, 2004

I'm a guy, and I'm sure there have been people that have assumed under an outdated stereotype that because I chose to be a nurse that I'm homosexual. I'm not, by the way, but I really don't care if that's the case. I'm secure enough in my masculinity that I couldn't care less what they think. Anyone that takes the time to talk to me and get to know me would know better anyhow.

Same here, I am more concerned with my patients and my peers thinking I am a good nurse. It is my nature to be the best at whatever I choose to do and not worry about other people or their perceptions. :rolleyes:

Tony35NYC · Nov 24, 2004

I'm a male who is considering going back to school to become an RN. I'd like to know from other men in nursing:
what made you choose nursing as a career?
have you encountered any problems related to being a distinct minority?
bryan

I wanted to be an MDA, but all those years in medical school plus the outrageous cost weren't very appealing to me. I decided I would be a Nurse Anesthetist instead, and so here I am in nursing school and very happy with the way its all going. I don't know that the gender of an RN matters these days, except in some areas of OB where they may have females only (due to liability issues). The only other 'problem' that comes to mind is about guys who might be too sensitive to the stereotype questions they'll likely hear from ignorant people who have no idea what registered nurses actually do. When some people hear the word 'nurse' they immediately begin to think of Florence Nightingale in her starched whites and with a dainty little cap perched on her head, passing bedpans and bandaging wounds. Its amusing for people to imagine a guy in that role. No offence to the memory of our beloved Florence, but nursing has come a real long way since those days.

I encourage you to go for it!!! I recently came across the following article while doing some research on this topic. The article is over 2 years old so the statistics for male RNs may be different now. Its from a newspaper somewhere in Florida but, regardless of where you are, the information there is still useful for guys who are considering a career in nursing.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/local/sfl-129malenurse%2C0%2C5625972.story?coll=sfla-business-headlines

It also mentions Male Nurse Magazine, which I had never heard of before. http://www.malenursemagazine.com

AllenJ · Nov 25, 2004

I came into Nursing by chance and i'm glad i did. I did a degree in mathematics before doing my RN training. I don't worry about the homosexual stereotype 'thingy', i'm comfortable with my sexuality.

In no way do i see any other professional as superior, because i chose nursing and it wasn't that i couldn't have done something else.

I get job satisfaction from Nursing most days, pay could be better though.

My 2 pence worth pal, GO FOR IT and good luck.

FYI: Can you think of any other job where you'll be with ladies all day, except you are Media star. :)

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Nov 26, 2004

I came into Nursing by chance and i'm glad i did. I did a degree in mathematics before doing my RN training. I don't worry about the homosexual stereotype 'thingy', i'm comfortable with my sexuality.
In no way do i see any other professional as superior, because i chose nursing and it wasn't that i couldn't have done something else.
I get job satisfaction from Nursing most days, pay could be better though.
My 2 pence worth pal, GO FOR IT and good luck.
FYI: Can you think of any other job where you'll be with ladies all day, except you are Media star. :)

A fantasy perhaps

but at my age Im more interested in golf