CANurse2B

I hope that the folks who are expressing some negativity about "perceived gayness and actions" will remember that for many years it took a man who was confident in his maleness to question traditional gender roles in nursing. He made the move into nursing at a time when the motivations might have been purely the desire to help others without much financial reward. Many of those men WERE gay, and some of them acted in a different way than the status quo. Where do you think the stereotype came from? It is due to their original boldness to stand up to much criticism that men with more mainstream orientation are now freely entering a professional that used to be almost entirely female. It is inappropriate to carry homophobia into nursing and expect some who are acting naturally, and being themselves, to try to "butch it up". The purpose of our profession is to provide the best care we can. Stop worrying about perceived gayness in yourself and others. Focus on the quality of your nursing, and if you feel the need, police your own mannerisms and dress. If you are confident in who YOU are then your shouldn't be concerned about the sexuality of a co-worker. And yes, I am Gay and for me it has been less of a challenge facing the World because I have a football players build and have always been perceived in a positive fashion. It took me many years to stop worrying that a particular phrase or action would "out me". Holding back and trying to make sure you act differently than what is natural for you takes a lot of effort. In saying that, I never forget the courage it takes to face the world when your natural physicality or actions make you a target for homophobia and discrimination. Thanks for being strong enough to be true to yourself.

I say don't give up. There may be a dietary reason for the skin problem. Don't limit your options. Ride it out for awhile and try to investigate further. I am a chiropractor going after my RN. There have been instances where milk or other food products have caused skin reactions. That is just one example. There may also be emotional issues that may lessen over time. Just don't give up yet!:paw:

Perhaps the tendency shown here...of some to "eat their young" for a young person asking a, perhaps badly worded, question is one of the reasons for dissatisfaction in the nursing profession felt by some. Lighten up folks! I bet all he can think of now is "gee, I hope I never make a mistake in word or deed...look how I will be treated!".

Hi, I am planning the same thing. Although I am almost 50 now, hope to be starting RN program soon. After some experience I want to travel nurse and save a bit of money in hopes of eventually buying in Mexico. Plan is to travel nurse 6-9 months of the year and stay in Mexico the other months. Gradually shifting the work/home time around. Sounds great. If Mexico is in your mind, just start learning Spanish now...is helpful in patient care also.

Imagine this comment made in the Fire or Police Department, " OOOO! Look, one Lesbian giving an incident report to another Lesbian"...I doubt anyone would have a problem finding it both cruel and realizing the need to report it immediately to supervisors. It should be reported!

I want to ditto what RNDave said, I am also a Chiroractor and am currently hoping for acceptance in RN program in August 2008. His decription of Chiropractic is valid. In my case, I was never happy with the business aspect of running a practice. Being a businessman is unfortunately a large part of continued success. Much of your time is spent marketing and trying to reach out to those that need your services. There is not a great referral system with most Medical practicioners and working with insurance companies and managed care can complicate the issues further. Check into the options before you commit to the financial burdens associated with the training and starting and maintaining a practice.

I'm 50 in 2 weeks. Was going to go into nursing 15 years ago and then again 4 years ago. The time never seemed right. Finally, went back to school last year and hope to be in RN program starting in August 2008. I did have to retake all the sciences as it had been over 10 years since I took them. I took all 3 at once, Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology. But believe me, it was still a challenge, especially Micro. I do have some background as I was a Chiropractor for 10 years. Finances are an issue for me as I worked with migrant workers and lower income folks for several years and have no student loans available. Money was not my motivation for Chiropractic and it is not my motivation for Nursing. I am glad that nurses are being paid more for their efforts now. Being the oldest student in my classes bothered me a bit at first. I was also one of the older students when I became a Chiropractor 11 years ago. I am getting over the concern for age for the most part but am aware of the realities of being older in school. The day to day does seem like a long road and I question my goals most days. Reality is, you are going to be doing something in the future. Why wait and then think "Oh, I wish I had done it sooner". I keep reminding myself to remember that. Good Luck! You are not an "old man". At least not yet! LOL.:paw:

April..I think your point about the full 12 month 5 days week is valid. The RN is really only 4 semesters and summers off. I am taking phlebotomy training now and will have that as a part-time job. Kids are grown, divorced, and I have only myself to worry about now. The concern comes in that I have 2 apps to RN programs and in my area it is GPA based. I am fortunate to have great grades as I have past science education. So I feel I will be accepted soon. I did just take the C-net for VN and got in the 99th percentile and am asked to go through remainder of process for VN this month. Don't want to start entire VN process with references, transcripts, interviews etc if I am not going that route so feel pressured to decide now. Thanks for your input.

Just a general question. Have all prereqs and feel confident of being accepted to both LVN or RN programs soon. Is it worth getting the LVN first as I would be able to get to work sooner? Or should I just tough out the extra time and go for the RN? I do not have any student loans left due to previous education and finances are an issue. Some say bridging over is a waste of time and others say get the LVN first as there are other options for bridging. What is the consensus, please. Thanks.:paw:

I'm 49 and starting the RN program in Aug '08. Nursing was my first choice but 30 years ago it was not looked upon as a "manly" profession. I had worked as an "Orderly" as they were called then. My family discouraged it and I did not have the strength within myself to stand up to the criticism. I became a Chiropractor instead and have been practicing in different types of practice arrangements for several years. The billing issues of managed care and running of a practice, along with the inability to travel led me to go back to school last term for additional pre-reqs and go after the RN. Travel nursing is the plan after graduating and getting some solid nursing experience. I love patient care and making a difference in their lives. This is adding another level to my skills. Looking forward!