When an accident brought Drew Brown to the emergency room in January 2000, hospital workers took on new importance to him. The nurses who attended to Brown became critical players in a moment of trauma and uncertainty. The first nurse’s indifference evoked feelings of distrust and fear. A second nurse developed a relationship with Brown that comforted him and made him feel empowered to make decisions. The impact of these differences helped Brown decide to become a nurse. Wait. Many people would clarify that Brown decided to become a “male nurse.” The need for this distinction hints at a gender...
