Kathmandu— Laxman Shrestha, a registered male nurse currently working at Om Hospital in Chabahil, has shared his experiences with the challenges, perceptions, and emotional journey of being a man in a predominantly female profession.

Shrestha, who began his career in India before returning to Nepal, says the term “male nurse” often feels isolating and unnecessary.

Despite societal confusion—where people often assume he is a health assistant (HA) or CMA—he is proud of his identity and insists male nurses are essential, especially in emergency and critical care.

“In ICUs, emergencies, or lifting patients, our physical strength matters. Male nurses should absolutely be there.”

From Rejection to Resilience

Upon returning to Nepal after his work in India, Shrestha faced unexpected discrimination in job interviews.

“Some hospitals said, ‘We’ve never hired a male nurse.’ Others questioned if I was a CMA. I was unemployed for six months. I even regretted coming back.”

Still, the COVID-19 pandemic changed his perspective.

“During COVID, I felt proud. I was part of something important. It reminded me why I became a nurse.”

More than Strength: Sensitivity and Skill

Contrary to stereotypes, Shrestha emphasizes that male nurses can be just as emotionally involved as their female colleagues. He recalls breaking down after losing a patient he had been caring for during the pandemic.

“Even though the vitals were fine, she passed away. I cried. It still affects me.”

He also remembers his first night shift as a nightmare: overwhelmed by tasks and responsibilities, it took him an hour just to manage medication for one cardiac patient.

Addressing Pay and Recognition

Despite job opportunities, Shrestha says low salaries remain a core frustration.

“We invest so much in education, but salaries in Nepal don’t meet expectations. That’s why many go abroad.”

He urges society to recognize the role of male nurses beyond outdated gender norms.

“I often get called ‘Doctor’ just because I’m a man. Meanwhile, actual female doctors are still called ‘Sister.’ We need to fix that.”

Looking Ahead

Originally uncertain about nursing, Shrestha now embraces his role. Still, he admits:

“If I could go back, I might tell my younger self to choose engineering or pharmacy. But today, I’ve found meaning in what I do.”

He also dreams of giving back to his home district of Bhojpur by organizing a health camp.

“There’s an ICU in Bhojpur hospital that’s been unused for years due to lack of staff. I want to change that.”