Nursing is a rewarding career choice that offers an array of benefits and opportunities. In recent years, more and more men are finding that nursing is the career for them. Although nursing is historically female-dominated, the demand for qualified and committed male nurses is on the rise. 

Male nurses bring unique perspectives, skill sets, and qualities that enrich the nursing profession and enhance the patient experience. Their contributions are invaluable, and they can expect to find meaningful work, stability, and vast opportunity in nursing. Read on to discover five reasons why more men should embark on careers in the nursing field. 

Help Address The Nursing Shortage

In recent years, the healthcare sector has experienced significant staffing shortages. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, these shortages are caused by the culmination of the strains from the COVID-19 pandemic, the aging and retirement of the current workforce, the aging population’s healthcare demands, and nursing schools restricting enrollment due to a lack of nursing faculty to teach. 

Because qualified nurses are in such high demand, there is no better time to start a nursing career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of jobs within the nursing profession will grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033, which is above the average rate for other occupations. 

New nurses entering the workforce can help alleviate the strain that current working nurses face within the medical field, allowing them to be happier in their careers and thus provide better care to their patients. 

Break Gender Stereotypes

Male nurses often face a range of biases and stereotypes because of the historically female majority of the nursing profession. Many patients, consciously or not, expect their nurses to feel like family, influenced by the perceived compassionate nature of the profession. 

Unfortunately, the incorrect notion that men are somehow less capable of providing emotional support and nurturing care has long been engrained in the public’s perception of nurses. This perception is damaging and can lead to a lack of diversity in nursing, but diversity is essential for providing the best possible care for all patients. It can also help to create a more inclusive workforce and reduce discrimination.

Popular television shows and movies also paint a misconception of the nursing workforce. In the media, most nurses are portrayed as female, whereas doctors and other high-level professionals are portrayed as males. This can lead to an unconscious thinking that men are “above” working as nurses.

Nurses should be appreciated for their skill sets, knowledge, and compassion rather than judged prematurely because of their gender. Male nurses have the unique and essential opportunity to break this stereotype and educate their patients and the public on the importance of diversity in the nursing field.

Have Lucrative Career Options

The possibilities for registered nurses are seemingly endless, with a wide range of specialties, facilities, and education. Nurses can pursue further training and education to specialize in a particular area or take on leadership roles. Additionally, nursing is a career that offers competitive salaries, great benefits, and job security.

Many individuals prefer a career in nursing because of the many opportunities available without the need for many years of schooling. Most associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs can be completed in under two years, offering a relatively short path to becoming a registered nurse. For those who wish to pursue higher education, RN-to-BSN programs are widely available to bridge the gap between working nurses and nursing leadership skills. 

Male nurses may offer the unique skill set and perspective needed to excel in specialty nursing roles. According to Indeed, some of the most commonly pursued specializations for male nurses are nurse anesthetists, emergency department nurses, intensive care unit nurses, and nursing educators. 

Improve The Patient Experience

Nurses should reflect the diversity of the populations they serve. In addition to providing care, nurses also need to connect with their patients on an emotional level. Male patients may prefer to have a male nurse because they share similar interests, anatomy, mentality, etc. With more male nurses working in the field, nursing staff can have more flexibility to meet their patient's requests. 

Having more male nurses in the workforce can have a positive impact on the patient’s experience. Many male patients are more comfortable discussing sensitive topics with another male, which can lead to better care and outcomes. 

Be A Role Model

Finally, male nurses entering the workforce now act as role models for the upcoming generations. As more male nurses overcome stereotypes and biases to pursue their passion in healthcare, they will also pave the way for other men and young boys to enter nursing.

Over time, as more men enter the nursing field, the balance between male and female nurses will become more equal, and stigmas will be a thing of the past. The pioneering male nurses who are breaking down stereotypes, providing excellent patient care, and helping combat the nursing shortage can also provide valuable mentorship to the next generation of nurses, helping create a more diverse and inclusive profession. 

Kenzie Sullivan is the blog content and SEO specialist for a family of career schools in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania: West Virginia Junior College, East Ohio College, United Career Institute, and Boardman Training Center.