Trauma, disease, and life and death decisions are all part of being a nurse. Still, nursing is oftentimes seen as a feminine profession.
As a 19 year old male student nurse, I have faced a good deal of adversity and criticism. This criticism has not occurred in a professional setting. I am extremely pleased at the level of respect and helpfulness I have encountered in the clinical setting.
The majority of the criticism I have received in regards to my choice to pursue a career as a nurse are from none other than a group of my friends, who I will refer to as “Bros.” A typical Bro is aged 19-28. They enjoy fast cars, fast bikes, and outrageous parties. I have been subjected to their scrutiny on numerous occasions and developed a quick set of rebuttals for the Bros criticism.
Bros: Isn’t nursing for chicks?
Student Nurse Nick: No, nursing isn’t just “for chicks.” It’s a profession that is open to all races, genders, creeds, and cultures. Nursing requires a high level of critical thinking and many men have had successful and meaningful careers in nursing.
Bros: Are you just in it so you can be around girls?
Student Nurse Nick: Although it is an added perk, being a nurse is more than just chasing girls.
Bros: You’re going to become a nurse then go on to become a doctor?
Student Nurse Nick: Nursing and medicine are two entirely different career paths, although they complement each other really well. If I do become a doctor, most likely I will get a PhD or become a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Bros: Is your hero Gaylord Focker?
Student Nurse Nick: The next person who says that will not be able to walk for a week, I promise.
Bros: You’re just in nursing because it’s easy.
Student Nurse Nick: Actually, nursing is a very challenging career. Nursing programs are quite competitive and become even more difficult once you gain entrance.
Bros: You can only be a certain kind of nurse, like an ER nurse, right?
Student Nurse Nick: Guys are allowed to practice as a nurse anywhere girls are.
Bros: Well you’re going to be seen as a little bit fruity if you end up doing something that doesn’t have to do with emergencies.
Student Nurse Nick: Honestly, I don’t care if someone sees me as fruity. At the end of the day, I just want to make an impact.
Bros: You’re going to be stuck working in a doctor’s office or in the hospital. Plus, you’re going to just take orders from doctors all day.
Student Nurse Nick: Nurses collaborate with doctors. They’re an essential part of a healthcare team. There are many different types of nurses and not all work in doctor’s offices or hospitals. Nurses have the opportunity to work anywhere from a community health clinic to a flight team.
Bros: Flight team? I thought all of those people were paramedics.
Student Nurse Nick: Nurses provide a crucial role in aeromedical transportation. They are able to bring a set of skills that complement those of flight paramedics. Oftentimes, the nurse may also be cross trained as a paramedic.
Bros: I don’t want to go to nursing school because I’ve heard how mean the instructors are and I don’t want to get yelled at all day.
Student Nurse Nick: So far, all of the nursing instructors I have met are very kind and want you to succeed.
Bros: You’re not going to be able to find a job as a guy in nursing.
Student Nurse Nick: Actually, nursing is at the top of many lists for employment growth over the coming years.
Bros: So why do you want to be a nurse?
Student Nurse Nick: I want to be a nurse because I want the opportunity to provide patient centered care. I want to be able to be a part of a healthcare team and have the opportunity to collaborate with my colleagues. I want to use informatics and stay up with the latest technology. I want to use evidence based practice to incorporate hard scientific fact into my work. I want to be a safe and quality practitioner. Honestly, I could care less what you think about my being a male nurse, because nursing is worth it!