When it comes to nurses, some still have visions of sexy women walking through hospital hallways in tight-white dresses and little white caps. No surprises there! That's just one of the many media stereotypes people have developed about the nursing profession over the years. While there are, of course, attractive women in the field, not all nurses are 'sexy', not all where tight white dresses and not all are women. Here are five more myths that nurses have to defy every day:

 

1. Nurses Are Merely Doctors' Helpers

 

Unfortunately, this myth has stood the test of time. Far from being gofers, nurses diagnose and treat patients every day. But aside from these, they are also in charge of patient advocacy and education so you know you're in the right hands. Nurses see dozens of patients every day, work incredibly long hours and have very little time for themselves. The next time you see a nurse, don't think of him or her as a doctor's lackey, but as someone skilled in their chosen profession.

 

2. Nurses Want to Be Doctors

 

They aren't medical school drop-outs or people that couldn't make the cut. Nurses are in the profession because they are passionate about their careers. While doctors are trained to diagnose and treat symptoms, nurses are trained to provide holistic health care. This training is what makes your nurse stop by your bedside to chat as compared to a doctor who is in and out of your room in five minutes.

 

3. Nurses  Are Women

 

While it's true that the majority of people in the field are women, there are also men in nursing. About six percent of the profession is made up of the male gender, and these men are extremely competent at their jobs. Unfortunately, popular television shows continue to perpetuate this myth. Men are just as capable of nursing as women. And they are passionate about it too! The next time you see a nurse, don't concern yourself with his or her gender. Be mindful of the care that nurse can provide.

 

4. Nurses Aren't as Smart as Doctors

 

Registered nurses spend at least four years in school and many still choose to advance their nursing education. Nurses must successfully complete rigorous schooling, survive clinicals and be able to think quickly on their feet. Your nurse is just as intelligent and no less competent than your physician. Nurses teach, perform research, publish papers in journals, diagnose patients, treat illnesses and administer medication. Don't underestimate your nurse. We made it through an intense training program in order to become licensed.

 

5. A Nurse Is a Nurse

 

Are you one of the many people who think that a nurse is a nurse, period? Just as there's a difference between a pediatrician and a gynecologist, nurses hold different responsibilities and choose different career paths. A pediatric nurse, for example, has specialized knowledge when it comes to children's health. There are a variety of job opportunities within the field, and most require specialized training beyond four years of nursing school. Many nurses have undertaken online MSN programs in order to further their careers. There are different nursing specialties to suit the care you needed.

 

It's unfortunate that the nursing profession is steeped in such deep-seeded stereotypes. If you are considering a career in nursing, you should know that you are entering a field that is ripe with opportunity and personal fulfillment. Don't buy into the misconceptions because nursing is a vast and exciting career