Word of encouragment from a male new grad

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

Hey all,

I just wanted to offer a word of encouragement, you are the minority in a HUGE profession. However over the years of your education, you will find that nearly every patient has been cared for by a "male nurse" and they were the best one they ever had. It's sometimes hard constantly being surrounded by women, their hormones and their problems, but it helps you understand the women in your own life. I came away from school a more sensitive and caring person. I had another guy in my class, and we are best friends to this day. We live in the same apartment complex, carpool to work, and swap "war stories" in the car after a long night's work. We both moved 750 miles from home to work where we do now, and we both love it. We had to stick together in school, studying for finals, tests, those dad-gum care plans, etc. You guys will be a precious commodity in whatever area you choose. You will not be given preferential treatment, but almost expected to excel in what you do. You will be "expected" to get your advanced training, eg ACLS, PALS, CCRN, and maybe become charge/resource nurse, or even assistant/nurse manager. Face it. The people on your unit will look to you for leadership whether or not you've developed it yet. You will be the cool cucumber in the garden of hot peppers. Hang in there. You'll take a lot of flak for being "Gaylord Focker" but those same people will be asking you to tell them your cool stories from the ER or ICU. Most outsiders have a fascination with medicine, but never will see the things you will. You don't have to be a doctor to be respected. I currently work in a Level III Neonatal ICU with premature babies. I NEVER thought in school I'd be doing this. It is the most rewarding job I've ever had. It's a job I love to go to every night I'm on. Sure the breastfeeding teaching is kind of weird, but saving the life of a 23=weeker in the delivery room, and watching him grow and finally go home months later is priceless. So hang in there, use these forums, keep your eye on the goal!

Steve, RN, NICU, Emergency Air Neonatal Transport, Neonatal NP down the road!

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Oh I don't know...I work with lots of guys who don't feel pressured to be in charge or be any better or 'cooler' than their female coworkers, but then I work ICU where most of us have similar ambitions and qualifications. On the floors nurses are individuals as well from my 28 yrs of experience; each of us with our own goals.

My advice for new male nurses is to remember you are a nurse and no better or worse than any other nurse due to your sex.

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Specializes in ER/Trauma.

Thanks Steve. I'll try and keep that in mind

- Roy (Who really should stop goofing off and finishing prep for clinicals tomorrow)

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Thank you for the words of encouragement!

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Thanks for sharing.

Good luck to you too!

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Any advice on how to get past the "Anti-Male" Nursing Professors?

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Specializes in Operating Room.
Any advice on how to get past the "Anti-Male" Nursing Professors?

Become a woman??? :rotfl: j/k

Don't let it bother you. You know that in general, when a person thinks of "a nurse" most will think female. This is just something everyone has to get used to...like female doctors, or females in the military.

Go in there, do the best you can do, & prove that men are just as good of nurses as women.

Hopefully, your instructor will eventually see that.

Good luck! :)

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Very, very inspiring. Kind of what I already thought - but nice to hear from someone in the trenches. Thanks!!!

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Today just sucked! I met with not 1 but 2 top advisors at the school I am taking my pre-reqs at, and was told, "You need to make all A's to get into the Upper Division". Now since she just told me not 30 seconds before that the AVERAGE GPA was a 3.4, how does she compute that I need a 4.0!? :angryfire

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Maybe I'm missing something here, but it could be true if your overall GPA was less than 3.4.

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I was told that since I currently have a BS Degree in another field, that I "have a clean slate", and that my "GPA would be calculated based off of the 9 pre-reqs science courses." She then pointed to the list and said "You need an A on each of these"

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