introducing myself and my major , and someone looked at me and asked , “ Did your parents force you to do it ?”
Despite this , I kept myself grounded in my “ why ” and continued to do so throughout college . I ’ m glad .
Over time , my perspectives on nursing have changed . As a senior set to graduate with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ( BSN ) in May 2023 , I look back on my time in nursing school and feel humbled . There were many instances where my misconceptions were quickly replaced with awe and admiration . During clinical rotations , I witnessed the flexibility and variability that a nurse can take , as I have met nurses working in all specialties across the lifespan . The diversity of my nursing cohort introduced me to people of various backgrounds , all of whom were driven to the profession to care for others — and none , thankfully , asked me if I was pressured into nursing .
However , my time learning about the nursing field also included becoming acquainted with its pervasive stereotypes . The common image of nursing as a “ woman ’ s job ” created challenges for my male-identifying and non-binary classmates , as many would share concerns about patients refusing their care , or initially feel pressured to change the pitch in their voice to sound more masculine or more feminine . Despite the rigorous courses , intensive preparation for clinical rotations , and frequent skills checkoffs , I felt that my nursing education was sometimes undermined and disregarded by others , especially when I learned that some people were not aware that we work with real patients in clinical . It is often because of the stereotype that a nurse is a “ doctor ’ s helper ” or one who was not smart enough or to become a physician , that nursing is perceived as a profession without a defined skill set ( Lampert , 2017 ).
Over time , I grew to understand the multifaceted roles of a nurse — an educator , researcher , leader , example — and my former apprehension about the profession was replaced with passion and interest . I have been able to make meaningful connections with patients and share small moments of joy during their day . I have listened to the lived experiences of cancer survivors , people recovering from addiction , and those that have lost loved ones to disease . I continue to find new meaning in nursing and what it means to care for others . My aspiration is to take on more advanced roles in nursing someday .
In hindsight , it is perplexing to think that what almost held me back from entering this profession was due to the idea of being seen as a stereotype . I can ’ t help but wonder — who else has felt the same ? What other future nurses are missing because of the stereotypes our society sets ?
Addressing Misconceptions and Learning in the Process
In my own small way , I have worked to combat these stereotypes throughout the years . When given the opportunity , I would openly share the unique challenges of nursing school and debunk the misconceptions rooted in these stereotypes .
This is best exemplified by my experience as a campus tour guide when I would share my experience as a nursing student to prospective students and families . I would often be asked if I had to go to nursing school after obtaining my BSN , with visitors likely confusing it with the educational pathway of someone seeking to become a physician . A significant number of people I met while leading college tours were unaware that I needed to take a licensure exam after graduation in order to practice as a nurse , and I would have to establish understanding by comparing it to a more well-understood profession , like law : “ It ’ s like being a lawyer – you have to pass the bar before you can work as a lawyer .”
As time passed , I learned how to educate others about nursing without comparing it to something “ more respected ,” and allow the work of nurses to stand on its own . As my own confidence as a nursing student grew , so did my ability to convey that nurses are trusted members of the healthcare team because of their own ability to make safe clinical judgments . The assumption that I was forced or “ settled ” into nursing diminished over time , especially as I genuinely conveyed my drive and my “ why ” to others . In doing so , I have been able to connect with others who also didn ’ t let negative stereotypes deter them from their
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