Womens interest in male nurses

[johny1]

I am a nursing student, currently studying to be an RN. I am really enjoying the experience, however I have an issue that is concerning me.

When chatting up women and the conversation comes up about what I do, and I reply studying nursing, their eyes widen and the mood seems to change. This is not related to women in the field but those outside. As soon as I utter the word nurse, I seem to go from a confident manly guy to a nice guy to them. I know women want confident manly sort of men, but women also say they like a man to be sensitive and caring. Can’t a male nurse be sensitive and manly? Do these women see nurses as somewhat effeminate, at worst gay?

If a woman is able to climb the corporate ladder and make big money in business and still have sex appeal, does a man need to limit himself to traditional masculine roles to prove his maleness and be attractive to women or can he do a traditionally feminine job of helping and caring for people.

I understood that when women refer to equality, it is for both men and women. They it’s a great idea for men to be nurses, but individually, their actions seem to speak louder than their words.

I would be very interested in your opinions on this both guys and girls

[tiij]

thats gold. hahah. i cant imagine it happening in my workplace though...

Ive had mixed reactions from women that im a nurse. ive had a few that love it, and some that dont. But the ones that dont.. i dont care too much about. so.. i guess ive been lucky like that

[wlb06]

It's my birthday today... and I came into this thread pretty down, between losing my g/f and being so indecisive on a career choice. I really appreciate everything everyone has said, and I'm extremely impressed.

I'm actually taking A&P, microbiology and chemistry right now, trying to make it into the nursing program in May, but I have had my doubts every day. For years I have quit and began things incessantly, so indecisive on what I want to do. I worked both IT jobs and kitchen remodeling jobs for that time, and it wasn't for me. I really like helping people (I am a personal trainer right now, for the last 5 months). I have tons of energy and don't mind working long hours. The classes I am taking are the only ones that have ever interested me. It seems right. I've talked to people in the profession. The hours are great, flexibility is there... the pay is excellent. But I guess I am afraid to pick one thing and go with it, I guess because I feel time is running out or something stupid like that. I think my biggest concern, for reasons that I think I understand, I was afraid of how it would affect my personal life with women, dating or being married.

This thread has helped me tremendously in pushing me towards a decision, and I just want to thank everyone for their opinions.

I would like to add one thing to the discussion: To those in relationships who are nurses or are dating relationship, how does shift work affect your relationship/marriage? Having to work weekends, nights... odd hours.

Hey man, I am a personal trainer too. I just started nursing school so if you need someone to relate to, give a shout.

[trickster]

Hi, I'm new to the site. Just entered my senior year and am still hanging in there. When it comes to people acting differently, especially women I have not noticed.

Since I work construction during the week, I did get a lot of slck from the younger co workers because they just like picking on people. The older ones were mature enough to say that it was a good career choice, probably because their backs were broken overe the years of manual labor.

I haven't noticed any women acting differently but I also don't have too because my future wfie is in the same class as me. We sit right next to each other, and she loves that we're both going down this road togther. All is well I suppose. Good site, good topic.

[kito4149]

WOW!!!! I can't believe that you were taunted for wanting to become a nurse. Usually men want to become doctors- I guess you are among the few who doesn't have a ego jar to fill. Thanks so much for choosing a profession that will provide you with caring, compassion, empathy and job security!!!

[pnwmurse]

See the post below about the Male Nurse fighting in UFC.

https://allnurses.com/forums/f212/male-nurse-ultimate-fighter-334463.html

[Salt-of-the-earth]

Being a male nurse myself, I can easily empathize with many of the sentiments and postings for this blog.

Being a male nurse in a field still predominently held by females can be difficult in many ways. It takes a lot of courage at times, and faith in the kind of person you are, to hold up under the scrutiny of others...be it co-workers or patients. But it takes just as much inner strength to be a woman who works in a field held predominently by males!

I've had the opportunity to work both sides of the fence, and have been witness to the improper judgements held by those in the majority of the workforce. I think that's what it all comes down to, frankly...whether you listen to, or subscribe to, the judgements of other people. I try very diligently not to listen to these types of individuals, but in saying that...I also admit it can hurt to find out that others are talking behind your back and spreading rumors that have no basis in fact.

So, on those occasions when I find myself subject to rumor or innuendo, I try like hell to pick up my spirits and remember that I can only be who I am...not try to be someone that some others perceive me to be. It helps to have the support of real friends who will be there to listen, who know you for who you are.

It may be nice to hear that some women think you're "hot" because you're a male nurse and are man enough to admit that you have a gentle, caring side that allows you to do the work of nursing. But (at least for me), it's not the job, or the income, or the thoughts of others that keep me going and generally happy in my choice to be a nurse...it's a sense that taking care of other people when they can't take care of themselves is a PRIVELEGE!

Finally, to any and all readers, please remember the golden rule (you know, the one you were probably taught back in gradeschool?)...treat others as you'd like to be treated.

[CITCAT]

As a nurse for over 18 years i respect and honor the role of men in the nursing profession,at this moment in time with nursing shortage and this doesntinclude lpns cenas,hhas and the lot i think we should thank our lucky stars for you all. sincerely with professionalism A old and tired nurse . thank God for you all.:redbeathe

[SoxfanRN]

I don't know what the big deal is. I am a man who has chosen the nursing profession. If I didn't choose nursing, I would have been a person doing something else. If a doctor or engineer had not chosen those professions, they would be a people doing something else. We all have our roles in this game. Frankly, I really like being a nurse, and no one can make me feel bad about it.

[muesli]

Met my husband when we were both in nursing school. He is the sexiest man I've ever met. He's never had problems with women finding him attractive (and still doesn't have problems getting hit on!). There were many men in my nursing class and they seemed to all be there for different reasons - just like women. When I asked my husband why he went into nursing, he tells me that he likes being useful to people and he likes the money! If more of these superficial women realized the pay potential and job security and flexibility of nursing, maybe they'd think twice before letting their prejudices get the best of them. Rock on men in nursing!

[spinetilt]

I am a nursing student, currently studying to be an RN. I am really enjoying the experience, however I have an issue that is concerning me.

When chatting up women and the conversation comes up about what I do, and I reply studying nursing, their eyes widen and the mood seems to change. This is not related to women in the field but those outside. As soon as I utter the word nurse, I seem to go from a confident manly guy to a nice guy to them. I know women want confident manly sort of men, but women also say they like a man to be sensitive and caring. Can't a male nurse be sensitive and manly? Do these women see nurses as somewhat effeminate, at worst gay?

If a woman is able to climb the corporate ladder and make big money in business and still have sex appeal, does a man need to limit himself to traditional masculine roles to prove his maleness and be attractive to women or can he do a traditionally feminine job of helping and caring for people.

I understood that when women refer to equality, it is for both men and women. They it's a great idea for men to be nurses, but individually, their actions seem to speak louder than their words.

I would be very interested in your opinions on this both guys and girls

Allright. I've kept silent 'till now. I'm in school now, surrounded by LOTS of young, cute, smart girls. I'm usually the only guy in class. I am mid 30's, receeding hairline, not ugly but not Brad Pitt. I have more opportunities for relationships (physical or long term) than I can handle right now. The secret? Be proud of who you are and don't ask for approval from the world. Act like a man and don't apologize to anyone for who you are and what you do. If you doubt yourself or don't like who you are you will turn women (and men) off faster than bad breath or B.O. If you are confident, cocky, and funny, you can be a n otherwise average looking guy and have ample opportunities for intimacy at any level you want. Just be interesting. Be a man.

[Tim92]

I'm a male and I am straight, not gay and I am happy to be a nurse, I think I am manly, but I am very nice, kind and caring. I think girls like it when a guy is a nurse because it shows they care and can listen to issues. Also, many guys act all rought and tough, so I think girls find it attractive. :]

[blackdogm3]

I'm a male, straight, and I've been told that I'm stock build. Yes, I hear stereotypes that male in nursing field are mostly gay, but it's not true when they hear that I'm a male nurse. The field is rapidly changing, and I see all types of men, and they are not all gay. Just be proud of who you are.