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

Published

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 L&D; GI; Fam Med; Home H; Case mgmt.

My 13 year old son is showing quite an aptitude for health care. He gives me my B-12 IM injections perfectly and loves learning about A&P. I suggested he consider taking allied health in high school and going on to nursing school. He looked at me with this twisted expression and said "I'm not a GIRL!". Hahaha. After talking to him for awhile and pointing out that one of our best guy friends, who is married with 3 children, is in nursing school, he has sort of changed his tune and is now considering going for it. But yeah, it certainly has a stigma attached to it for guys.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I'm a straight male nurse and I knew the stigma before I started nursing school. Never really bothered me lol.

I have personally only heard one guy refer to male nurses as being gay, and his opinion was worthless - I considered the source. :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU-my whole life!!.

OP, your post cracks me up. At first I thought you were a troll but I recognized your handle. I became a nurse because I wanted to be around women, but I also like what I do. I love women and I think they are the best thing God created.

And NO, I am not gay. I am super straight.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm a heterosexual male, currently in nursing school, and I've never been worried about being labeled gay. It's not that I don't believe that there are people out there who will make that assumption- I'm sure there are a few- it's that I don't care. I'm sorry to hear that your friend made the decision he did- it's too bad he wasn't able to get past that. I understand it's gotta be more difficult in certain areas of the country/world. I'm fortunate enough to live in a city where I'm not likely to face really severe homophobia at the hands of people who do make that assumption.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Mental Health/Oral Surgery/Medical Detox.

People ALWAYS assume i'm straight. I could WORRY about that the way homophobes do. I'm a lesbian nurse and PROUD of it and i'm offended when straight people assume i'm straight. How does if feel????:mad:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D; GI; Fam Med; Home H; Case mgmt.
People ALWAYS assume i'm straight. I could WORRY about that the way homophobes do. I'm a lesbian nurse and PROUD of it and i'm offended when straight people assume i'm straight. How does if feel????:mad:

I'm sure you can probably understand that, with less than 10% of the population homosexual, people will be very likely to assume one is straight. :confused: I'm certain there is nothing malicious about it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What does sexuality have to do with nursing?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well it's a shame your friend (who didn't go into nursing because he was concerned about "false homophobia") missed a great career. But all in all, if he was THAT concerned about such an issue, he'd likely not make such a great nurse. You really need a good "sense of yourself", and he obviously didn't seem to have that. So all in all, it "worked out".

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It funny when I started many years ago as a C.N.A. I heard it all the time, but as I moved up I never let it bothered me. By the way I'm a gay male nurse, but meeting me the first thing that comes to patient mind is doctor not nurse. Also I'm over 6 feet tall and I'm always asked if I played football/basketball because of my size. Bottom line we're professionals and I don't give a hoot what anyone say since first/formost I'm in this profession because I care and I love what I do. I've done everything from pediatrics to geriatrics and I'm 55 now, but I started from the bottom as a CNA @ 24 and I'm not ready to quit yet. Besides what does it matter what one sexuality is? Pity that guy decided not to go into the profession because of what someone else say/think.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

im in cna school and have had plenty of my friends make comments that i am gay because of it but i just brush it off ther is no reason to wory about what others think. what does it matter if a cna or nurse is gay or straight if they can provide the level of care you need and deserve professionally?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
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.

HAHAHAHAHA!!!! I wonder how many people are still confused by your statement lol! I personally LOVE 2 b GAY!!! I wish all my nurses were as gay as me! :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, LTC/Geriatric.

In my nursing class of 26, there were two males. One proudly gay, one proudly strait.

One of the BEST nurses I have ever had the pleasure of working with is a gay male. Proud of it. Legally married to his husband (who is a hair stylist) :lol2: I would choose him as my nurse or for my family any day of the week if I was in the hospital.

They are confident in their own relationship and sexuality to be able to laugh at themselves and the stereotype of a gay male nurse and gay hair sylist :up: :nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion