Benefits of Being a Male Nurse: Why Men Should Consider a Career in Nursing

For a long time, nursing has been considered a woman’s job. Interestingly, this wasn’t always the case, and fortunately, male representation in nursing is growing. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), as of 2022, men made up around 12% of the American nursing workforce. This number, however, has been relatively steady for the last three years. According to the AACN and unlike many other areas of higher education where women are steadily becoming a majority, male intake into nursing programs like those for a family nurse practitioner (FNP) is increasing. 

Job Overview 

At the end of the day, the role is pretty similar if you are a male nurse–which is amazing because it is a truly fulfilling job. Your duties could vary greatly from workplace to workplace, depending on your specialization. You could be monitoring a patient’s symptoms and progress by checking vital signs, administering medication, drawing blood, maintaining IV lines, and documenting patient concerns. 

You will often be collaborating with physicians, specialists, and other hospital personnel to chart, report, and observe patients’ conditions. Since nurses spend a large amount of time with patients they take note of any concerns regarding a patient’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. 

Male nurses often serve as advocates for patients who are unable to advocate for themselves, such as children without a parent or guardian or patients with disabilities. Male patients may well prefer to confide in male nurses or simply want a male perspective. 

Gender Balanced Workforce 

There is constant talk of improving working conditions for women, equal pay, and representation, especially in the Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Yet, discussions about getting men into historically female roles are slow to catch up. One of the biggest positives of a gender-balanced workforce is the ability to respect and cater to individual needs. Some patients may feel more comfortable talking to a man… or woman. Younger boys who are seen by male nurses will unlearn or at least not learn the stereotype that all nurses are women. 

Training and Prospects 

The prospects for any nurse, regardless of gender, are good; the Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates that 1 in 11 of all new jobs created between 2020 and 2030 will be in nursing, and with an aging population, they admit that this is a conservative estimate. Because of this, nurses have more choices at every step–there are more training programs, more job specializations, and more job opportunities. On top of that, the FNP salary is increasing steadily. 

One of the traditional stereotypes is that men become doctors while women become nurses; the sad truth is that this damages both careers. There are a plethora of reasons to choose either pathway, regardless of gender. A big positive for nursing is that many states and countries pay a salary for your placements, while this is unheard of for medical students. The path to qualification is generally shorter than medicine, with a heavy emphasis on practical experience–ideal for those who enjoy hands-on learning. Post-qualification, there are an incredible amount of specializations you can choose from, giving you both choices and options depending on what you enjoy or are passionate about. Additionally, nurses can further enhance their skills and career prospects by enrolling in an Agile training course, which is particularly beneficial in fast-paced healthcare settings. This specialized training allows healthcare professionals to improve efficiency and adaptability in their practice.

Work-Life Balance 

A big positive coming out of COVID-19 is the increased focus on healthcare workers and their well-being. Nursing organizations around the world are increasing awareness and support with systems like the Coronavirus well-being initiative and highly effective peer support programs. These programs teach nurses to create environments that foster open communication, understand individual stressors, and implement strategies that promote resilience and, most importantly, longevity in the field. 

A Job for Life 

Once qualified, there are an incredible number of specializations; you could become a nurse researcher and contribute to medical advancements or find your calling in geriatric nursing, providing care for the elderly. If you prefer a dynamic hospital setting, becoming a medical-surgical nurse might be the perfect fit. Another exciting option is to become a travel nurse, which allows you to explore different parts of the country or even the world. These are just a few examples of the many options available, each offering unique challenges and rewards, allowing you to fit your career to your interests and strengths.