"I didn't want to go into nursing because I didn't want to be labled gay"

Nurses Men

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I was talking to a family member today. He is a very nice guy and told me how much he used to want to be a psych nurse many years ago. He told me the reason why he changed his mind is because of the stigma that all male nurses are gay. This guy now knows that he made a very immature decision that he now regrets. I think he would of made an awesome nurse but I guess it's too late to find out now as he is about to retire. I wonder how many other male nurses are afraid to pursue their dream because they don't want it to be assumed that they are gay. :confused:

edit- Labeled.

Specializes in 1st year Critical Care RN, not CCRN cert.

That is a pretty dumb reason to skip out on being a nurse. Unless he is on the fence of being straight/gay and maybe being a nurse would "push him over the edge" (I can't come up with a more PC way to say this) and he doesn't want to be gay than he did what he thought he needed to do.

I am so far from being a gay man I never even gave it a second thought. Why would I? Nurses bust their collective butts! Men, women, gay and lesbian. Makes no difference what your gender or sexual preference in the bedroom. When you work you are not looked at as gay or straight, you are looked at as the most important person in the chain of care. Just ask the patients, if their heads are screwed on right, they know where their care comes from.

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Specializes in LTC, medsurg.

Some people just care too much about what other's think about them.

Myself, I don't give a hoot about what people think. If I want to do something,

I do it! I may have embarrassed myself a time or two, but at least I don't hold

back on doing things I want to do!!

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Specializes in Infectious Disease, Neuro, Research.

Well, wearing capris and pastel flip-flops will do more to damage the masculine image than the career field.:D I've had a few friends rib me over going into nursing. My response? "Turn around and grab your ankles. You decide if I'm gay, or just really mean...":eek: Not many rebuttals to that.

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Specializes in taking a break from inpatient psychiatric nursing.

I don't know, but wouldn't it be great to see a Gay Pride Parade where everyone dressed as they dress for their job? Nurses, carpenters, sanitation workers, stock brokers, politicians, chefs, research doctors ... you name it. That might break down the misconceptions. Hey, maybe it would be a Career Pride Day, and everyone could participate.

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I'm a guy & have to admit that never even crossed my mind. I must not be up on gay stereotypes!

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

How ridiculous. While there are a small percentage of male nurses who are gay, most of us are just homicidal maniacs.:D

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Specializes in Cardiology and ER Nursing.
How ridiculous. While there are a small percentage of male nurses who are gay, most of us are just homicidal maniacs.:D

Probably more suicidal than homicidal but. . . lol

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I am a male, and starting NS. I'm gay sometimes, but other times I am sad. I don't really understand why your friend wouldn't want to be gay.

Gay nurses are better for patients than upset nurses.

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.
Probably more suicidal than homicidal but. . . lol

A good leader never expects anything of others he wouldn't expect of himself.

I too thought I'd have issues with being male and a nurse. Instead I had a lot of fun with it. Anybody looking at me would first guess I was a truck driver or some similar. Inspired a lot of jokes.

In scrubs I'd often get called "doctor" to which I'd reply "I'm a registered nurse and insulting me like that wont help you."

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Specializes in Psych Nursing, SNF/LTCF, HH.

I think the times have changed and the STIGMA of being labeled as GAY if you're in nursing has subsided. Although it should not matter what a person's sexuality is, as long as they are able to perform the duties and responsibilities of whatever profession they chose! By the way, My husband and I went to nursing school at the same time and there were instances that people thought he is BUT most of the time, girls come up to him and flirts thinking he's a good catch for being in this course=$$$!!!(sorry for the other girls coz we were already married before nursing school! Lol)

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Specializes in ED/trauma.
I am male and will be starting clinicals in January. I also know many nurses.... a good number (if not half of all the nurses I know) of which are male as well. Funny thing is... not one of us (male or female) is homosexual. I hear about and have seen that stigma applied before but never experienced it myself other than some light joking from current coworkers. Anyone else get the Nurse Focker comment? LOL.

I call all of my male nurse friends Murses. They often do the same to themselves. I think it's awesome that so many men are entering nursing. Diversity, hooray! I also prefer working with murses, esp in the ER. They're so much less catty, direct, to the point -- in general.

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Specializes in Mental Health, Medical Research, Periop.

My friend gets called gay all the time, but he's a hairstylist.

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