The number of male nurses has surged tenfold over the past four decades. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2022, more than 12% of registered nurses in the United States are men. This shift in gender distribution is significant in a field historically dominated by women.
A career in nursing provides an opportunity for nurses to assist others. Additionally, nursing offers unparalleled flexibility compared to many other professions, with various work settings, schedules, and specialties available. Job stability is another factor making nursing an excellent choice for men, especially considering the increasing demand in the healthcare industry with an aging population.
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There is a growing demand for male nurses in healthcare. Some male patients may feel more comfortable with a male nurse, especially during intimate procedures. Male nurses can also play a crucial role in caring for male patients dealing with mental health issues.
With the projected growth in the demand for healthcare professionals, male nurses can play a vital role in meeting patient needs and enhancing overall care quality. Keep reading to get all the information necessary to embark on a fulfilling career in this field.
What Does a Male Nurse Do?
Male nurses are healthcare professionals who identify as male and provide care for sick, injured, or infirm patients.
Male nurses, like their counterparts of any gender identity, play a vital role in various healthcare settings, addressing both the physical and emotional needs of patients. Their daily tasks include administering medications, monitoring vital signs, assisting with bathing and dressing, and offering comfort and reassurance to patients and their families.
Nurses are also often responsible for coordinating care plans, collaborating with other healthcare team members, and advocating for their patients. They predominantly work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare.
In addition to their field responsibilities, nurses also hold positions within the U.S. healthcare industry involving research, education, and leadership. Similar to any healthcare profession, these roles are multifaceted, requiring specific skills, knowledge, and compassion.
Popular Specialties for Male Nurses
Male nurses work in various nursing specialties, with some disciplines attracting more male nurses. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, here are some popular specialties for male nurses:
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): CRNAs administer anesthesia to patients undergoing medical procedures or surgeries, making it an attractive role for those prioritizing high salaries.
- Emergency room nurse: ER nurses provide urgent care in emergency situations, suitable for nurses who thrive in fast-paced environments.
- ICU nurse: ICU nurses care for critically ill patients in intensive care units, ideal for those comfortable in high-stress work environments.
- Critical care nurse: Critical care nurses work with patients facing life-threatening illnesses or injuries, requiring constant monitoring and involvement with cutting-edge medical technology.
Flight nurse: Flight nurses offer medical care during air ambulance transport, appealing to nurses who enjoy adventure and travel.
Value of Male Nurses in Healthcare
Male nurses bring invaluable value to the healthcare system by representing and caring for male patients. Male patients often find greater comfort with a male nurse, especially in situations specific to their anatomy, such as prostate or testicular issues. Having more male nurses on staff can help male patients feel acknowledged and represented in their healthcare experiences.
Additionally, male nurses contribute diverse perspectives and experiences to the nursing profession. They offer unique insights into patient care, bringing a crucial perspective to medical teams. Male nurses are indispensable in ensuring patients receive optimal care.
Perspectives from Male Nurses
Numerous former WGU students have enjoyed rewarding careers in nursing. Andrew Nagel, a case manager RN and veteran from Indiana, highlights how his military background enhances his ability to serve patients. Nagel emphasizes the power of shared experiences in building nurse-patient relationships.
Robbie Reno, another WGU alumnus based in Kentucky, considers nursing his ultimate life calling. Working in an isolation unit during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Reno tirelessly provided medications, assisted patients in maintaining blood pressure and heart rate, and offered mental and emotional support when needed.
Advantages of Choosing a Nursing Career
Nursing presents numerous benefits and chances for men interested in secure and fulfilling employment within the healthcare sector. Here are some of the most appealing advantages of opting for a career in nursing:
- Job Security: Nursing consistently remains in high demand, offering an increasing number of employment opportunities across various healthcare settings.
- Career Flexibility: Nursing stands out for its high flexibility in terms of scheduling and work arrangements. Nurses have the option to work full-time, part-time, variable, per diem, or a combination of shifts, making it an excellent option for those seeking an alternative to the traditional 9-to-5 routine.
- Steady Income: The nursing field provides competitive salaries and ample chances for career progression. As of May 2021, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $77,600, according to the BLS.
- Travel Prospects: For individuals with a desire to travel as part of their work, nursing offers the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives while working short-term contracts in various locations across the country.
- Scholarships: Numerous scholarships are available for male nurses nationwide, making it an affordable educational choice for those aspiring to enter the profession.
How to Pursue a Career in Nursing
For those ready to embark on a nursing career, several academic paths are available. In general, aspiring nurses typically opt for one of three options:
- Diploma Program: Hospitals usually offer diploma programs in nursing, lasting between two and three years. These programs provide hands-on clinical experience, and graduates become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam for registered nurse licensure.
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): ADN programs, spanning two years, are offered at community colleges and technical schools. These programs combine classroom instruction with clinical experience, and upon completion, graduates can take the NCLEX-RN exam for registered nurse licensure.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN): BSN programs, lasting two to four years, are provided by colleges and universities. These programs offer a comprehensive nursing education, including courses in science, humanities, social sciences, and clinical experience. While both ADN and BSN programs prepare graduates for the same licensure exam and job responsibilities, BSN programs typically offer a more in-depth education, leading to advanced job opportunities and higher salaries. WGU’s Prelicensure Nursing BSN program, for instance, allows students to become an RN and earn their BSN in a single program.
For those who have completed an ADN program, there are also RN-to-BSN programs available, such as WGU’s RN-to-BSN degree.
WGU’s RN-to-BSN program is entirely online, offering flexibility and convenience for working nurses. The program is designed for self-paced completion, allowing students to continue working while earning their BSN degree.
The program is accredited, ensuring it meets high standards for quality and effectiveness, and that graduates are well-prepared for advanced nursing roles.
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