Stereotypes of nurses  A stereotype is a widely held and fixed notion of a specific type of person and is often oversimplified and can be offensive. Stereotypes of people and groups are harmful, especially when they lack factual information. Nursing as a profession has been stereotyped throughout history. The stereotypes given to nursing as well as women in nursing has been well documented. A common misconception is that all nurses are female; this misconception has led to the emergence of another stereotype that male nurses as effeminate. These generalized perceptions of the nursing profession have aided in the misrepresentation of nurses in the media as well as the mischaracterization of nurses in the eyes of the public. The image of a nurse depicted by the media is typically of a female being over-sexualized as well as diminished intellectually. This notion is then portrayed in get-well cards, television, film and books. The over-sexualized nurse is commonly referred to as a naughty nurse and is often seen as a sex symbol or nymphomaniac. Along with these common stereotypes, studies have identified several other popular images used in media such as handmaiden, angel, torturer, homosexual male, alcoholic, buffoon and woman in white. Common stereotypes of nursing and portrayal of these misrepresentations have fueled a discussion on the effects they have on the profession. In the 19th century and early 20th century the image of a nurse was typically that of the angelic and serving female. At this point in time, there was conflict between the idea of nursing as woman's work and as skilled labor requiring immense training. Nursing was initially considered a woman's job because it constituted domestic labor. The American Civil War (1861-1865) has been thought to be a turning point for this stereotype. In the 1860s, middle-class white women volunteered to be aides in the war effort. These women worked in unsanitary and undersupplied conditions within medical facilities. After returning home from the war these women would contend that adequate care required adequate knowledge, and thus formal training (Nursing Training Programs) needed to be implemented. It has been argued that images circulating of white women participating in nursing work in the south on southern plantations take away from the reality of slaves doing most of the everyday tasks pertaining to the health of both slaves and slave owners. However, in both instances the work is being completed by a woman. Post establishment of Nurse Training Programs, concerns became apparent relating to race and socioeconomic class. This concern was in the schools not wanting to besmirch their reputations by teaching poor women or women of color.