FINDING a male nurse in a hospital, health centre or even a clinic is a rarity because the average man would say it is not a “macho” job but, 19-year-old Joshua Ibbott thinks otherwise and is pursuing a career in nursing.

“Do it for the love and not the likes,” as said by popular Jamaican Reggae singer, Chronixx, is one of Ibbott’s life mottos and that is exactly what he intends to do when he completes his training.

The nursing student got his inspiration to be a nurse at an early age after he observed how nurses performed in their working environment.

“I was so amazed to see how they would care for their patients, listen sincerely and do all that is necessary to attend to the patient no matter how tired they seemed,” he said.
Although the profession is mostly dominated by females, Ibbott said being in a classroom filled with ladies is an unforgettable experience but his main focus is on caring for and being able to assist and advocate for patients.

He believes that the great Mahatma Gandhi said it best when he remarked: “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

“Nursing is my calling! Being a nurse is an opportunity of a lifetime. After applying and being accepted on my first attempt I was overwhelmed and grateful. I will continue to work to the best of my ability by being caring, compassionate and confidential, the three Cs that are necessary for nursing,” said the young nursing student.

In light of some of the negative comments that would often be mentioned about nurses, he contended that becoming a nurse is one of the most selfless acts a person can undertake.
In a society of so many different races, cultures, customs and beliefs, nurses are a “universal gift” to all and the dedicated work that they do and kindness they deliver on a daily basis should serve as a reminder of the fundamental humanity inside of everyone.
“Like any tertiary institution, nursing school isn’t any different. It takes hard work and determination to really achieve what you want i.e. nursing; I assure you it is so worth it… nursing has various fields so you don’t have to be a bedside nurse. You could become a nurse administrator or an anesthesiologist among other things,” he explained.
As a nurse, you are never out of a job because you could always lend care once you have the necessary training and knowledge.

For persons, especially men who might want to become a nurse, he encouraged them to follow their dream and brace themselves for an experience of a lifetime.

Ibbott, despite being a nursing student, has managed to be an active member of his church which he has also started to call his home.