I'm thinking of becoming a Male Nurse?

Question

I'm 17 a guy, I'm not gay, I'm not a 'sissy' and I'm not too stupid to be a doctor..

I'm considering becoming a nurse for many reasons but first I'd like to give a bit of background.

I wanted to become a doctor since the age of 8 because I wanted to help people.
I did well and still do well in school and with a bit more effort I could go to medical school.
I'm a lifeguard and I'm a first aider. What I've noticed is I like helping people rather then diagnosing illnesses.

I always brushed off the idea of becoming a nurse, my mother suggested it to me and I just said 'no I'm a guy' or 'I'll become a doctor or nothing'

I've changed since then, obviously.
I'm not going to lie I want to become a nurse as it allows more time to be a good parent and to see my kids (not that I plan on having kids anytime soon!)

I like helping people, I do things for people and purposely don't tell them it was me because the act of helping is more rewarding to me then being praised.

I dislike the stereotype, and of course I worry about the stereotypes implications on my dating/love life.

I'm not seen as a 'typical' man.
I don't drink (I'm allowed I simply chose not to) I play guitar and I prefer music to sports.

I'm thinking of becoming a male nurse, what's you opinion?

Answer 1

Being a nurse is not a 'woman' job. This is so frustrating. Nurses help bring people back to life. Back to LIFE. Does that sound 'womanly' to you? No, it doesn't. Being a nurse is not an easy job and getting into nursing school is difficult. Do not let gender stereotypes hold you back. A woman not dating a man that's a nurse would be equally as shallow as a guy not dating a girl because she's an engineer. Do you want to date someone shallow? Of course not. Be a nurse, not a male nurse. Also, there are probably more male nurses than you realize. No one in the profession is going to give you crap, you all have the same ideology: to help people through medicine.

Answer 2

Thinking About Becoming A Nurse

Answer 3

I think it's great. Who really cares what people think? There are actually more males going into nursing compared to years before. You caring what people think, feeds into that it really is an issue when it should not be. I know of a few male nurses who are intelligent, and not any different from the next masculine male, also not gay...

They are secure in their profession, and who they are as men. Simple as that. Whether you become a nurse, doctor or anything else. Who cares what others think and just do what you want to do.

If a nurse works shift work full time, the downfall is working nights sometimes (if one finds a job like that) and most likely working holidays. So it can be challenging with family life as well.

Answer 4

Just go for it. So many people struggle to try and find a career that suits them, and you clearly think that nursing would be a good job for you, so just apply and get your nursing education. As others have said, the idea that you shouldn't be a nurse 'because you are male' is like saying that someone shouldn't be a lorry driver 'because they're a woman.'



I have been in hospital many times, and you will find that there are all types of male nurse. Some look very manly (with big hairy arms/big belly and talk about sport etc) and some are perhaps more, what some might describe as 'camp.') I was surprised at this initially, because I thought that all male nurses would be very effeminate (my prejudice), and it was (at first) quite amusing to see big hairy men, with tattoos, talking about football and acting like they were in some sports bar, to be wearing a nursing uniform! I soon learnt that nurses come from ALL walks of life, there is no 'typical male' or 'typical female' nurse.



What matters, is not whether or not being a 'nurse' was 'traditionally' seen as a female career, and whether or not being a male nurse implies that you must be gay, but what matters is do you enjoy the job and are you confident at it. You clearly want to be a male nurse and enjoy helping people, so it would be literally insane not to do it, just because a few bigots think it's 'womans work.' Being a nurse isn't just "for men who can't be doctors." They are completely different jobs, they just happen to both be within healthcare. That's like saying someone who likes travelling and is an air steward/cabin crew, is only in that job because they couldn't be a pilot. Choosing a job because it pays more and is viewed as more prestigious is a dreadful idea, when you know that the 'actual job' doesn't suit your style. You like to help people hands-on, being there for them when they are ill or frightened and knowing about the drugs or procedures that they're going through. You clearly don't want to be looking through a lot of paperwork and trying to make sense of statistics so you can diagnose someone's foot fungus infection, and spending only 10 minutes with them at a quick consultation.



Also, when I was in hospital, a lot of the male nurses were MUCH nicer to me than some of the female nurses. Some of the female nurses didn't care that I was in pain, whereas some of the male nurses went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable and gave me tips on how to lie to relieve pain etc. It makes no difference if you are male or female, both can either succeed or fail miserably at making someone feel looked after.



Go and become a nurse and anyone who makes a big deal out of it isn't worth your time or attention.

Answer 5

You seem to be the one stereotyping male nurses. There are hundreds of thousands of male nurses. It's a great career and you shouldn't worry about what other people think of you. There is a very long waiting list at many colleges for the nursing program, so register early.

Answer 6

I'm a mom of 3 and i've had many male nurses for them. I've had to go to the emergency room a few times and their are tons of male nurses in their, they smart and knowledgeable. they must be doing what they love because they are have all the right answers, almost like a doctor. sometimes i get confused of who's the doctor and the nurse. i'm surprised because of the professionalism and the knowledge they have for me.



I've gone to nursing assistant vocational school and there were quite a few males in their.



listen, you have to do what you need to do in your life and be proud of the accomplishments you make in your life, you are the only one who has to look at your self in the mirror each day and you need to know that you are doing all to fulfill who you are. i think being a male nurse is a real upstanding occupation, in a field where you are helping people. if anyone makes fun of you, don't laugh along with them, let them know that your future isn't a joke and this is what i need to do with my life. how about you?



Be you. life is too short to live for others, you got to feel fulfilled and happy always.

Answer 7

I spent 5 1/2 months in various hospitals last year, and had quite a number of male nurses. One of the best was a Muslim, who was married (I met his wife by chance). Some were good, some were great, some were so-so. None were gay that I could tell. All were knowledgeable, and hard working, and, all helped me a lot.



Go for it!

Answer 8

Dude, nurse backwards in 'esrun'. And 'esrun' doesn't mean anything.

Answer 9

"what's you opinion?"



if you have to explain "I'm not gay or a sissy" then you don't have the maturity to be a nurse



you should do something else



you sound like a very immature, judgmental and prejudiced person



as a nurse you will have to take care of

gay people

homeless people who haven't bathed in months

muslims

atheists

neo-nazi skin heads

bible thumping fundamentalist christians who think prayer can solve everything



and you will have to treat them all with kindness and respect



you don't sound like the kind of person who can do that



you say you like to help people, but what are you going to do when

1) some guy comes in with a shampoo bottle up his butt and claims it was an accident, he fell on it ?

http://www.cynsa.com/butt/leviton/



2) some homeless infected with maggots comes in

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaGl80q--UI



you sound very judgmental

Answer 10

Yeah I know male nurses, none of whom are gay. It is an extremely demanding career, but is also very fulfilling career.



If you want to do this go for it. (also many work-mates are female if you are looking for a relationship too)

Answer 11

Men can be nurses too. Go with the desires and wishes of your heart.



Good luck!:)

Answer 12

You seem to know your own mind.Do what makes you happy.