Minority

[Dion327]

Hello everyone , my name is Dion and I'm beginning my second year of pre-nursing classes for my BSN. Although men make up a small percentage, is there an estimate of black males? Yes as you can guess I'm an African American male who plans of being the best nurse there is, however I'm the smallest minority. Has anyone work with a (black) male and do people appreciate the difference in diversity?

comment away my fellow nursing friends ������

[TriciaJ, RN]

This should not be an issue. I've worked with many black males, most from other countries. Some of them were wonderful nurses and coworkers; some were not. What most people will appreciate is that you work hard, develop skills and knowledge base, be friendly and willing to help others. If you have a unique background or point of view, that's a plus, as long as you're respectful.

Being "in the smallest minority" probably feels intimidating, but try not to let it. Your experiences in nursing will probably mirror the experiences you have elsewhere. Hopefully they've been mostly positive. Wishing you every success in your nursing career.

[cardiacfreak, ADN]

My experience with working with African American males is that most patients don't really care, even the little old ladies. Every once in a while a patient would request a different nurse, but then I'm a white woman and I have had patients request that I not be their nurse. Good luck to you.

[Sour Lemon]

Hello everyone , my name is Dion and I'm beginning my second year of pre-nursing classes for my BSN. Although men make up a small percentage, is there an estimate of black males? Yes as you can guess I'm an African American male who plans of being the best nurse there is, however I'm the smallest minority. Has anyone work with a (black) male and do people appreciate the difference in diversity?

comment away my fellow nursing friends ������

There's no need to call yourself an "African American nurse" or a "male nurse". You'll simply be a "nurse" when the time comes. Good luck in your studies.

[Dion327]

It is quite intimidating, not that it should be.

[Dion327]

There's no need to call yourself an "African American nurse" or a "male nurse". You'll simply be a "nurse" when the time comes. Good luck in your studies.

. Yes you're right

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

The 2 black male nurses I work with are sincerely my favorites.

In nursing it is great to be male! It comes in handy when lifting and turning large people, and in psych it is extremely helpful for out of control or violent patients.

Diversity in nursing is so important. It really helps with rapport and trust.

Be confident, you are going into a field where you will be very much appreciated.

[Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP]

Hi Dion, and welcome. When I was in my first nursing job my best friend was a black male. We used to laugh our way through a 12 hour shift...I really miss him. In my last ICU job one of the best and nicest nurses on the unit was also a black male. To this day he gets hugs when I see him. People are people and I take them on their merit. Be the best nurse you can and people will judge you on that and nothing else.

[K9lover, ASN, RN]

Have in the past and work with 2-3 black males now. I'm not sure what you mean though, I grew up with diversity in Southern California and never expected not to have diversity at work. You are right, smaller minority, 2 of the nurses are African-born/raised. Most common immigrant population I have worked with is Filipino; I know the foods, customs more so.

I've had patients express unsavory views from time to time and told them I did not desire them to 'share' their epithets with me but they have been few and far between.