Should I just forget it?

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I dropped out of an LPN class in 1992 because I was pretty much the only guy in class and I felt out of place. A couple of years ago, I was all set to apply to a two year RN program but chickened out. I drive trucks and do oil field labor but my thoughts always come back to nursing. I believe I can get myself back into a school, but how hard is it to overcome the stereotypes associated with men becoming nurses? It's all I've ever wanted since left the LPN class when I was 18. Any words of encouragement or other would be appreciated immensely.

Honestly no one is thinking about how you are the only guy in the class and if they do its not because they think its weird or anything. Out of 91 nursing students at orientation there were only about 5 guys. I think that the nursing field could use more men. Dont be afriad, get out there and do what you love!

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Specializes in n/a.

I'm seeing alot of great responses and really want to try. Thanks again.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
how hard is it to overcome the stereotypes associated with men becoming nurses?
Piece of cake, in my experience.

Few people have mentioned it and most of the ones who have have been enthusiastic about more men entering the field.

There was some open discrimination by the OB nurses but that field holds no interest for me so it mattered not. Some of the old ladies are resistant to me helping them with toileting but they are the minority.

If you want to do it, go for it. The only attitude holding you back is your own.

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I do not think you should just forget it. Even if you tried to "forget" it, you probably wouldn't be able to. This sounds like something that is very important to you and means a lot. Therefore... it's something that's in your heart. You have to follow your heart and not let anything get in the way of that. Being a male should not limit what you can do in nursing. The only thing that can limit you is yourself. Don't let that happen!

I wish you much luck and success in all that you decide to do!

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Besides there's a male nursing forum on this site so you should be able to find a lot of support there.

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Specializes in ED; Med Surg.

I have worked in a hospital for over 10 years. Some of the best and most grounded nurses I work with are men. They are wonderful, caring people and I haven't thought of the stereotype in forever until you brought it up! They are also lots of fun -- they usually think up the best pranks to pull to lessen the stress.

So go for it -- be the person you really want to be!

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I wouldn't spend so much time worrying about others because at the end of the day it comes down to what makes YOU happy. In my A&P classes there were actually a lot of guys and i know several male students in their professional phases. I hope you can overcome the judgments of others so you can live up to your full potential So....YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY NOT FORGET IT!! instead screw the negativity other people say to make themselves feel better and just grab the bull by the horns and go for it!!!!!!!!!

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I'll echo what's already been said; you'll never know until you try, and then you'll always have "what if" in the back of your mind. If this is something you really feel strongly about, then give it hell!

Male nurses are incredible assets. When I worked ER/Outpatient Registration, we had a few male nurses in the ER, and it was always very interesting to see how differently they handled certain situations, how they talked to patients, how and when they asserted themselves. We have a "Males in Nursing" sub-forum around here somewhere, you might find it comforting to browse around over there and not feel so alone.

Just don't give up on something your heart is so obviously pulling you towards! At least give it one hell of a try, that way you'll have no room for "what if" and regret later on down the line.

Best of luck to you!

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Go for it! Tons of guys in my schools program! And when I worked at a hospital (in the lab), they often hired men just because they were men!

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