Men in Nursing...

Jedrnurse, BSN, RN · Sep 11, 2017

I'm 6'4" 210# and never had a problem. (Unless you count getting asked a lot to help with lifts/transfers, etc.) I have to laugh at guys who look their noses down at the idea. If they knew half the things that went into the process of getting that nursing license as well as some of the things that come along with being a nurse they'd look at it in a different light...

Sour Lemon · Sep 11, 2017

Hello, I am new to nursing, almost done with an ADN degree program. I have been working concrete construction most of my adult life...then got involved in healthcare and have found new direction. I am 6'3" 245 pounds. Just curious about any obstacles or insight on experience as a male nurse....and not fitting the traditional mold of a nurse. The days of Florence Nightingale are gone.....Modern "nursing" seems different than that of even 20 years ago.....? So far patient response has been positive. Anyone else feel a bit like a fish out of water, when people say that "Nursing" is something that men shouldn't do. Simply because Nursing is a feminine desciption of the job....?

There are so many male nurses that it really doesn't phase anyone ...at least not in LA. In fact, I'd say the place I work is close to half and half.

roser13, ASN, RN · Sep 11, 2017

Hello, I am new to nursing, almost done with an ADN degree program. I have been working concrete construction most of my adult life...then got involved in healthcare and have found new direction. I am 6'3" 245 pounds. Just curious about any obstacles or insight on experience as a male nurse....and not fitting the traditional mold of a nurse. The days of Florence Nightingale are gone.....Modern "nursing" seems different than that of even 20 years ago.....? So far patient response has been positive. Anyone else feel a bit like a fish out of water, when people say that "Nursing" is something that men shouldn't do. Simply because Nursing is a feminine desciption of the job....?

I haven't EVER heard someone say that so I don't know who your "people" are. I'm not stupid, I do realize that that state of mind used to be out there but it's a very ancient, stale thought

Flatline, BSN, RN · Sep 11, 2017

I'm 6'4" 210# and never had a problem. (Unless you count getting asked a lot to help with lifts/transfers, etc.) I have to laugh at guys who look their noses down at the idea. If they knew half the things that went into the process of getting that nursing license as well as some of the things that come along with being a nurse they'd look at it in a different light...

As a male nurse I cannot agree more.

bgxyrnf, MSN, RN · Sep 12, 2017

Hello, I am new to nursing, almost done with an ADN degree program. I have been working concrete construction most of my adult life...then got involved in healthcare and have found new direction. I am 6'3" 245 pounds. Just curious about any obstacles or insight on experience as a male nurse....and not fitting the traditional mold of a nurse. The days of Florence Nightingale are gone.....Modern "nursing" seems different than that of even 20 years ago.....? So far patient response has been positive. Anyone else feel a bit like a fish out of water, when people say that "Nursing" is something that men shouldn't do. Simply because Nursing is a feminine desciption of the job....?

Your perceptions about nursing are an anachronism. At least here in Northern California, hospitals are full of men on every ward and in every unit...

On some shifts, it's primarily men and on rare occasions, it's been *only* men.

Mavrick, BSN, RN · Sep 12, 2017

Hello, I am new to nursing, almost done with an ADN degree program. I have been working concrete construction most of my adult life...then got involved in healthcare and have found new direction. I am 6'3" 245 pounds. Just curious about any obstacles or insight on experience as a male nurse....and not fitting the traditional mold of a nurse. The days of Florence Nightingale are gone.....Modern "nursing" seems different than that of even 20 years ago.....? So far patient response has been positive. Anyone else feel a bit like a fish out of water, when people say that "Nursing" is something that men shouldn't do. Simply because Nursing is a feminine discription of the job....?

Are there really People who say that ???

I think that is just a way of saying YOU think that you don't belong in nursing.

If so, try to get that thought out of your head. Nursing is a great gig for men. Lots of choice areas for you to practice what you do best. Work with big people, little people, old people, young people, awake people, unconscious people, lots of people, few people, etc., etc. (you get my drift). I really liked the mental and physical stimulation of the ICU. Did it for 15 years. Now I'm a little less needy for that kind of stimulation so I do PACU and spend most my mental faculties trying NOT to get into too much physical action.

I have also taken time out from my Nursing career to sell real estate and drive a commercial vehicle but Nursing keeps calling me back. I appreciate the flexible hours and climate controlled environment. Warning: your hands do go soft cuz now you work "in-of-doors"

Now I am at the top of the Union pay scale and make six figures working 2 days a week (plus call). I got great benefits: reasonable medical care costs, paid vacation/sick time, education reimbursment, Certification and BSN premium.

I got 5-6 years left so step up and take my place so I can drift off to my permanent vacation!

OHN19 · Sep 12, 2017

I hate to break it to everyone, but the mentality that nursing isn't a "man's job" still exists. Even as a student I got asked why I wanted to be a nurse because it's a "woman's job". I imagine it's a rural area thing.

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Sep 12, 2017

As the only male nurse in a 300 RN NICU, I have never had any negative statements towards being a male nurse in the NICU. Coworkers see me as a coworker and parents see me as their child's nurse, being male is not a factor.

guest517 · Sep 12, 2017

Lol why did you include your height and weight? I do agree a little with feeling like a fish out of water though, but I'm still a nursing student. All of my classes primarily consists of soccer moms returning to school. I might see 1 or 2 guys but usually I'm the only one. It does feel a bit weird but I'm fine with that, I'm sure when I do become a nurse, the field will still be predominantly female but I think its because I'm used to being around mostly women. I've worked an office job for years and a majority of the employees are female

Duffy27 · Dec 1, 2017

I was actually surprised that when I when I started mentioning to people I know that I was looking into nursing school, not a one said "Why would you want to do that?" or "But you're a guy...", quite the opposite happened. I got a lot of support from friends and family and was pleasantly surprised. I'm sure I'll be one of the few guys, but I kind of enjoy that anyways, shows that I don't conform to others opinions about the profession, specifically that it's strictly a "woman's" job.

bgxyrnf, MSN, RN · Dec 1, 2017

I was actually surprised that when I when I started mentioning to people I know that I was looking into nursing school, not a one said "Why would you want to do that?" or "But you're a guy...", quite the opposite happened. I got a lot of support from friends and family and was pleasantly surprised. I'm sure I'll be one of the few guys, but I kind of enjoy that anyways, shows that I don't conform to others opinions about the profession, specifically that it's strictly a "woman's" job.

"One of the few guys..."

Nope, not anymore. I work at an academic facility and we host nursing students from several local colleges and universities. It's pretty close to 50-50 these days.