Should I just forget it?

thenameismac · Jan 17, 2010

Dude, you've got to follow your heart. Do you know where you'll end up if you keep "chickening" out due to stereotypes? Nowhere! Forget everyone else. To be honest, no one cares if you're the only dude in the class and chances are you just may come across another dude. In my AP class last semester there were 2 dudes and that was it. No one even noticed that there were only two. They didn't "stick together" and they were just fine with the class. Only childish ppl look at things like "Oh there is only 1 dude in this class. He's weird." or counting how many black or white ppl there are or how many people are gay, etc. You get the point. No one cares and neither should you. You will just be another person in this world just trying to make their dreams come true. And another thing, in the end it will be them with their degree not you if you keep up this attitude. So get it together mister and shoot for the stars.

coffeeaftermidnight · Jan 17, 2010

I think we all have some sort of hang up we have to get over to go balls out and shoot for what we REALLY want. I'm overweight. I deal with sterotypes daily, especially seeking my RN. Didn't you know overweight people are lazy, stupid, uneducated, blah, blah, blah. Yeah, just like all male nurses are gay wussies that couldn't cut it as doctors, right?

I'm 32 and I, like you, have thought of nursing since I left it twelve years ago. I was a CNA while doing pre-reqs. I moved to another state, was waiting to get in-state tuition and never went back. I would like to say that life just happened and time slipped away from me; but the reality of it is, I feared those "judgments" that are often placed on overweight people. It kept me out of school. It kept me working my same job (a job I have enjoyed and has provided financially but not the job I feel I'm "called" to do.)

I say suck it up, get out there and hold your head high. I find it ridiculous that such stereotypes exist and I've snubbed my nose to them. I will be a fantastic nurse, and I'm quite sure, you will also. And for those that feel it's not a masculine profession - I wonder how many of them have gone through the advanced sciences required for a nursing degree? How many would be able to call a doctor and question an order based upon their education and experience? How many make life changing decisions on a daily basis, for multiple patients, and are able to go home at night knowing they've made a difference in not only their own lives but the lives of others?

My guess, not many. Simply because these types of people hold such narrow points of view they simply wouldn't be cut out for the nursing profession. If you encounter those individuals in your classes, my bet is while they may make it into a nursing program, they won't make it through. If they do make it through, they will be substandard nurses.

I say go for it. Do what you love. Feel pride in what you do. And never look back.

propeace · Jan 18, 2010

thanks guys... i've really been pondering this for sometime... more than ever. what can it hurt to try?

spoon64 · Jan 18, 2010

Stop worring about what others are thinking and hit the books. This IS YOUR FUTURE not thiers. Im going to say that if you do not follow your dreams and do what you like.....your going to be very disappointed later on down the line.

So I say stop worrying about what other might say and worry about WHEN WILL I GRADUATE!! :yeah:

Best Wishes

Kimber/SouthFl

thenameismac · Jan 18, 2010

That's the spirit! What CAN it hurt? Nothing. Good Luck!

FLmomof5 · Jan 18, 2010

We have 6 guys in my class of 24. Those stereotypes are over....btw, some are hetero some are gay....and nobody cares!

NP Sam · Jan 18, 2010

Nursing is definitely not a woman's profession, especially not now. There are 4 wonderful guy RNs where I work. Go for it! Don't be intimidated by haters, let them fuel you.

itsmejuli · Jan 18, 2010

Stop thinking about it and go to nursing school.

I'm 48...I don't care that I am often times the oldest in the class. Who cares? I'm there for me...not anybody else.

I'm glad more men are going into nursing. Some of the best nurses I've met are men.

Follow your dreams...its your life.

MAFDC08 · Jan 18, 2010

If you don't try- you will never know.

Someone once told me (and it was great advice) not to let fear paralyze me. I try to remember this whenever I'm afraid.

I say go for it! Who cares about stereotypes. I'll care what people think of me when they pay my mortgage, lol. I'm laughing, but I'm for real!

My father-in-law was recently in ICU following surgery after an abdominal truama and had a male nurse. He was so awesome! He was probably late 40ish and handled my father-in-law with such great care.

Good Luck!

jessymarie · Jan 19, 2010

I just wanted to encourage you, and tell you if this is something you want to do you should do it. Also, some of the best nurses I have ever had take care of me were men. A lot of the people in my nursing classes now are men. you are not alone, and if this is something that you want to do than you should do it.

L8RRN · Jan 19, 2010

My preceptor is a man and he is AWESOME! Everyone talks about what a wonderful nurse he is when I am asked who my preceptor is (I agree!).

I have been in school with male nursing students and no one thought anything negative that I know of, too. The only problem I recall in school for one of the male student nurses was some of the husbands/S.O. had issues with him taking care of their wives during our OB rotation. The instructor understood and went easy on him since it wasn't his fault. Other than that, he didn't have problems in the other rotations.

I say go for it! and good luck!!!