A nursing career is a rewarding path that offers many benefits and opportunities. In recent years, there has been a rise in men deciding that a nursing career is the right fit for them. Historically, nursing has been a predominantly female-dominated profession, but with the increasing number of male nurses, this trend is beginning to shift.
The need for qualified and passionate male nurses is growing, and WVJC School of Nursing is here with five reasons men should consider becoming nurses. Continue reading this blog to discover more about the distinctive perspectives, skills, and qualities that male nurses bring to the healthcare team. Read on, and you may decide that the meaningful work and stability of nursing is the career path for you!
Help Address The Nursing Shortage
The healthcare field has experienced shortages across the board in recent years, resulting from the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the retirement of the current workforce, and the increasing need for medical care among older populations, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Nursing schools are also facing challenges in finding qualified nurses to teach incoming students, which requires limited enrollment opportunities.
However, nurses are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics^ estimates that the number of nursing positions will grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the national average for other occupations. Now is the time to embark on a career path that allows you to make a meaningful difference in healthcare.
Improve The Patient Experience
Healthcare professionals should reflect the diverse populations they serve. Along with providing care, nurses also forge meaningful connections with their patients. Male patients may be more at ease having a male nurse care for them because they may share similar interests, mentalities, and anatomies. They may also be more comfortable discussing sensitive topics with another male, which can lead to better care and improved patient outcomes.
With more male nurses in the field, medical staff can be more flexible with staffing to accommodate their patients’ wishes, giving them more autonomy in what might otherwise be an unpleasant experience.
Break Gender Stereotypes
Male nurses often face unfair scrutiny and a range of biases because of the predominantly female history of the profession. Many patients incorrectly assume that men lack the compassion and nurturing nature required to be caregivers, whether consciously or not. This perception is damaging and can cause a lack of diversity in the profession.
Mainstream movies and television shows significantly contribute to this bias against male nurses, often portraying nurses as female. In contrast, doctors and other high-level roles are played by men. This leads to a harmful portrayal that men are “above” working as nurses.
Nurses should be appreciated for their skills, devotion to their patients, and compassion, regardless of gender or other biases. Male nurses have the unique and vital opportunity to break this stereotype and bring a new vision of the nursing field to life.
Have Lucrative Career Options
The career opportunities for registered nurses are seemingly unlimited, with a wide range of specialties, facilities, and educational opportunities. Nurses can choose to pursue further education to specialize in a specific area of healthcare or take on leadership roles. Or nurses can begin working immediately after earning their associate degree and passing the NCLEX-RN* licensure examination.
A unique aspect of the nursing field is that a nurse can earn their degree and begin working in two years or less, offering a way to start a healthcare career quickly. For individuals seeking to advance their education, numerous RN to BSN programs are available to bridge the gap between an associate’s degree in nursing and a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Male nurses offer a unique set of skills and perspectives that make them ideal candidates for some specialty healthcare roles. According to Indeed, some of the most commonly sought-after positions for men are in emergency departments, intensive care units, as nurse anesthetists, or as educators.
Be A Role Model
Ultimately, male nurses play a vital role in the healthcare environment and are working to overcome harmful stereotypes and change the stigma associated with their profession. Men currently working in the nursing field are paving the way for other men and young boys to pursue careers in nursing.
Over time, as the number of male nurses entering the nursing profession increases, the balance between male and female nurses will become more equal, and biases against male nurses will be a concept of the past. Male nurses play a crucial role in helping to create a more diverse and inclusive healthcare system.
WVJC School of Nursing Can Help You Make A Difference!
Have you decided that a nursing career is right for you? If so, then WVJC School of Nursing has the resources to help you get on the track to your future in healthcare.
With online/hybrid and residential Nursing programs across West Virginia, we are here to guide you through the process of becoming a nurse. Get started today by requesting information to speak with a WVJC School of Nursing admissions team member!
^BLS statistics are national averages. Employment growth will vary by state and region and should be researched before making an enrollment decision.
*Passing the NCLEX-RN licensure examination is required to become a Registered Nurse.