Although schools of nursing market their programs to all segments of society, men are underrepresented in schools of nursing. The purpose of this study was to identify male students' perceptions of the motivational factors, barriers and frustrations encountered in becoming a nurse. Eighteen students attended one of four focus groups representing one associate program, two baccalaureate programs and one diploma program. The students' belief that society perceived nursing as a feminine profession was an underlying thread that related to many of their perceptions and feelings. The most influential support people noted were immediate family, especially wives. The participants also believed that high school counselors were of no assistance in choosing nursing as a career. Even though the schools of nursing were perceived as supportive, the participants had feelings of isolation and self-doubt.