Need some advice with a friend regarding school

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Hi, I know this is a male forum and I am a female, but I have a question. One of my dearest friends, who is male, wants to start nursing school where I attend. He will be GREAT at being a nurse. He is one of the most caring people I know. He feels he has 2 strikes against him, being he is male going into a female dominated occupation and he is also gay. His partner is extremely supportive of his decision. I am a girl so I don't know if there are any words you could give me to encourage him on the other aspects he is concerned about.

Thank you in advance,

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Nursing needs people who are or will be good nurses. Male/female, straight/gay, tall/short, fat/thin, blonde/brunette, black/white, righties/lefties...

What I'm trying to say is that your friend has no strikes against him that aren't self-imposed. The profession of nursing needs people who are committed to clinical excellence, who are academically sound, and who can master the art of caring. If your friend can do that, then no one will care if he's a gay male.

Tell him to start those pesky pre-reqs...!

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Thanks, that is the stuff I tell him. LOL I filled out his paperwork today and MADE him sign it. He just tells me I am not gay and I am not male so I couldn't possibly understand (He is QUITE the diva). I told him we have one thing in common...besides wanting to be nurses.....we both like boys (Insert shock face here and evil grin)

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Specializes in Med surg, cardiac, case management.

From what I've heard, being male isn't a problem in nursing. It seems many female nurses like working with male nurses (the only exception I've heard about is Labor & Delivery).

I don't think being gay will be a problem; people tend to assume that all male nurses are gay, so he won't surprise anyone.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

Being a man appears to be more of an asset than a liability. If nothing else, it helps set you apart a little during the admissions process.

Being gay also seems to be a non-issue. Of the 4 male nurses that I've known over the years, 2 are definitely straight, 1 is definitely gay, and 1 is definitely gay or straight. Sexual preference seems to play no role although as AlanG said, many people will assume he's gay anyway. The only way I could see him feeling weird is if he's gay but not "out" since he'd then be a gay guy trying to appear not gay in situation where he'll often be presumed gay...Geez, talk about confusing.

My advice to him would be, "GO FOR IT!" Of course, that was my advice to myself so at least I'm being consistent.

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Well, as a male nursing student, I would say "maybe you dont want it bad enough if you are going to let a few genitals stop you." As a gay man, I would say "Girl! get over it, people going to be talkin bad about you your whole life, give em somethin good to say. Think about all those sick men in the world you can help." It actually is an easier transition for those of us that are gay to begin a career in a female dominated field than for str8 menz. I am openly gay, and was the only gay student in my class. They voted me president, and I was class valedictorian. I may be gay, but if you are worrying about who is in my bed at night then it must be awefully lonely in yours. Being gay isnt a handicap but if you try hard enough you can turn it into one.

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Well, as a male nursing student, I would say "maybe you dont want it bad enough if you are going to let a few genitals stop you." As a gay man, I would say "Girl! get over it, people going to be talkin bad about you your whole life, give em somethin good to say. Think about all those sick men in the world you can help." It actually is an easier transition for those of us that are gay to begin a career in a female dominated field than for str8 menz. I am openly gay, and was the only gay student in my class. They voted me president, and I was class valedictorian. I may be gay, but if you are worrying about who is in my bed at night then it must be awefully lonely in yours. Being gay isnt a handicap but if you try hard enough you can turn it into one.

Thank you Neal!! He wants it bad and he is OBVIOUSLY gay, LOL. It is just nervous jitters. I laughed and told him something similar last night. He is extremely excited.

Congrats on your success!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!470.gif

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from what i've heard, being male isn't a problem in nursing. it seems many female nurses like working with male nurses (the only exception i've heard about is labor & delivery).

i don't think being gay will be a problem; people tend to assume that all male nurses are gay, so he won't surprise anyone.

i agree with alan. it may also help him that he is male while he is in school. some schools (not all) are trying to graduate "diversified" classes and will move him a little quicker than a female off the "wait list".

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Thanks, that is the stuff I tell him. LOL I filled out his paperwork today and MADE him sign it. He just tells me I am not gay and I am not male so I couldn't possibly understand (He is QUITE the diva). I told him we have one thing in common...besides wanting to be nurses.....we both like boys (Insert shock face here and evil grin)

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Keep woeking with him! Great line!

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Specializes in 5th Semester - Graduation Dec '09!.

I don't think that you could find a more supportive group of people than nursing students. It is not something he would have to worrie about.

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Specializes in SRNA.

Oh my goodness...tell Mildred to cool her jets. ;)

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Oh my goodness...tell Mildred to cool her jets. ;)

ROFLMAO>....Like I said, "Mildred" just happens to be a diva.... I packaged a welcome to nursing school gift and left it at his house. It had a new notebook, pens, calculator, and a bottle of Midol (for those moments).

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