I’m a Nurse Who Happens to Have a Penis

Here are my thoughts on toxic masculinity

Photo by Marcelo Leal on Unsplash

Being a “male nurse”

Professionally, I’m a registered nurse. I’ve been in this role for close to twenty years now in various areas of practice.

There’s nothing remarkable about me, really. Well, I do have a penis. Yup, I’m a dude. I know. It’s shocking, isn’t it? A nurse with a wiener.

I don’t like the term “male nurse.” I understand that I’m a rarity and a minority, but the qualifier “male” doesn’t need to be there. I’m a nurse. I’m a registered nurse if you prefer. I’m not a blue-eyed nurse and I’m not a stinky-footed nurse, even though I do have blue eyes and stinky feet and I’m a male.

Depending on where you are in the world, the percentage of nurses packing penises sits at around 5%. That ain’t many and it hasn’t really changed all that much since I’ve been around.

Working in situations where I’m surrounded by all women is something that I’ve grown quite used to, but I still often feel marginalized and like a bit of an outsider. A guest to a house. You know, I’m comfortable, but I ain’t at home in my tear-away track pants and Kurt Cobain t-shirt.

Over the years I’ve learned a great deal about women, it’s true. I can talk and interact with…