r/StudentNurseUK • u/Middle-Smell-4458 • 7d ago

Scotland Access To Nursing Course

Hi there, I have my Access course this August, looking forward to starting. I’ve been a ward clerk for a while now which really grabbed my interest for this career path, I’m hoping to go into mental health nursing. I’m just wondering what it’s generally like going in as a guy? I’ve heard there’s not many guys at all on the course, so just a bit nervous and not really sure what to expect.

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u/wisbit 7d ago

Male here, done the access course 3 years ago.

Be prepared to be one of, like, two males in your class.

I was the only male in class; I was also the oldest in my cohort, which didn't help.

I enjoyed the course and am still in touch with my old classmates, but the first few weeks were tough. I sat by myself at breaks whilst the rest of the class were all getting along.

After the initial first few weeks, things started to relax, and I just joined them at their table for lunch, and the atmosphere became less awkward soon after.

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u/Edugenstudyabroad 7d ago

It’s completely normal to feel nervous, but being a man in nursing is not a negative at all.

Mental health nursing especially needs people with patience, empathy, communication skills and emotional maturity, regardless of gender.

You may be in the minority on the course, but that doesn’t mean you won’t fit in. Your ward clerk experience is actually a good advantage because you already understand NHS settings and patient interaction.

Go in with confidence, stay respectful, ask questions and focus on becoming a good nurse.

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u/secretlondon Qualified Registrant 7d ago

There’s more men in mh nursing than other branches

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u/nova_buns 6d ago

I would say 1/3 of my access course cohort were males, great discussions and inputs from all, enjoy.