I want to be a male nurse - whats up with that?

[bones_316]

I live in the Uk and i am trying to become a male nurse. First thing is that my teacher doesn't believe that i want to be a nurse so he won't help me write out my application form for MNAS. He askes me all these gay questions like how do you want to be a nurse, there are other jobs that you can do to help people.
I want to be a nurse because i want to help people and make someone feel better. Thats would be the ultimate reward for me, i don't know if thats enough but i have got heart and i think thats all that should matter. My entusiasm is aslo something that cannot be matched, whatever i do i keep at it and i never, ever get tired.
I would just like to be reassured that i am doing the right thing, and what to tell my tutor.

[nursinghumor]

You might try telling your tutor that in the US, six percent of over three million nurses are men and that it is a perfectly acceptable profession for guys to go into.

Sorry you've been introduced to Gender Bias so early in your career. It is out there unfortunately.

This article will shed some light:

"The following paper examines the history and evidence of discrimination of the male side of nursing. There will also be further examination of the evidence of male discrimination including statistics, organizational issues, and communication channels. Also discussed will be several barriers that must be overcome by male nurses, including administrative, peer, and patient issues. For the nursing profession's "men in white", discrimination is a daily occurrence in a female dominated profession."
http://www.malenursemagazine.com/gen...imination.html

Hope that helps.

Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.4nursing.com

[AnkhRNMSNphoenix]

I agree with Nurse Lopez. I think that you shouldn't let any one sway you from what you want to do with your life. This is the new millenium and unfortunately, nursing is still seen as a strictly female profession. Men have a history of nursing and it is a history to be proud of. You need to learn that history. Especially since you are right where Florence Nightingale came from. We as men need to embrace the aspects of the profession that is seen as charecteristically female and infuse into the profession that which is male.In addition, what is your tutor so concerned about you being gay? Sounds abit dodgey. Tell them to stick with the educational aspects of your life and leave your bedroom to you. Don't give up and good luck.

[Karl Johan]

I'd have to agree as well.

Don't look back mate,
There are stacks of men in nursing, and I certainly don't regret it myself.

Regards,
KJ

[Brewerpaul]

I'm a couple of months into nursing school (associate's RN, night program) and I'd say go for it! Being a guy makes me a slight oddity in the class (3 others there), but it's sort of a nice distinction. I get along well with the women in the class, and so far in clinicals have been treated very well by staff and patients.

Besides, I look great in that little white cap and stockings with the seam up the back...

JUST KIDDING!!!

[naskippy]

Sounds like to me the answer to your questions as to what to tell your tutor is pretty simple. Tell him you need a new tutor!

I am not from the UK, but I would think a tutor should be encouraging, supportive and offer the best possible assistance in the choices you have made for a chosen profession....Not be discouraging or focus on your sexual preferences, which I would think should be none of his business nor should have any effect on him doing his job as a tutor.

In my 20 plus years of nursing I have known straight, gay, lesbian and bi nurses...I have not found that sexual preference made them a good or a bad nurse. Ditch the tutor.

Thanks

[Ricu]

Sounds like to me the answer to your questions as to what to tell your tutor is pretty simple. Tell him you need a new tutor!

I am not from the UK, but I would think a tutor should be encouraging, supportive and offer the best possible assistance in the choices you have made for a chosen profession....Not be discouraging or focus on your sexual preferences, which I would think should be none of his business nor should have any effect on him doing his job as a tutor.

In my 20 plus years of nursing I have known straight, gay, lesbian and bi nurses...I have not found that sexual preference made them a good or a bad nurse. Ditch the tutor.

Thanks

I second the motion. Sex and sexual preferences should not be a part of anybody's work life regardless of occupation but in our case, le's focus on the patients.

Another guy

[orionseal]

Anyone who has given 12 suppositories, dug out an impaction or two, listened to someone who wants to show you the new stuffed puppy he/she got for Christmass the other day (on july the 16th) for the thirtyfifth time on this shift, or had 5 residents/patients fall in the last 4 min.s knows that gender and or sexual orientation are non-issues at three o'clock in the morning with four more hours to go on your shift and things are just barely getting started for an otherwise un-eventful days work fr the average nurse today.
Lots of luck friend, don't let them hold you back, and while your at it ask your tutor one more question.
Ask if he/she knows the way to the unemployment line.