It is not into nursing. Male nurses make up less than 7% of the total nursing population. Ever wonder why more men do not choose nursing as a career?
Although there are some professions that are typically performed by a specific gender such as flight attendants and elementary teachers one would think that more men would choose an adrenaline pumping career where you are saving lives in the ER.
Being a male nurse myself I question why nursing is not the career choice of more men. It could be the idea of bodily fluids such as blood that cause men to be squeamish and shy away from this career choice. It may be the fact that it is difficult to work and attend nursing school at the same time or one may not have enough hair like me to attach the nursing cap.
Whether you are a lady or a gentleman, a cowgirl or a cowboy, we need more highly trained nurses. If you enjoy math, science and terminology chances are you will have a good time progressing through nursing school. Most critics will inform you that nursing school is difficult and I must agree. However, very few career choices will afford you the benefits of becoming a nurse even if the schooling is a bit aggressive. I have listed a few:
1. Climate Controlled Environment. As a nurse, you will not find yourself caught on your horse in a drenching rain storm or in a freezing blizzard, unless of course you ride your horse to the hospital. The working conditions in nursing are usually clean and well controlled.
2. Great Return on Your Investment. To become a nurse one needs to invest between 24 to 48 months of training and the tuition associated. Once the NCLEX is history a great salary is yours for the taking.
3. In High Demand. If your license is current and in good standing chances are you will have a job in less time than it takes to saddle your horse.
4. Travel Benefit. If you would rather not be “fenced” into one location, you may decide to become a traveling nurse. Many men choose this area of nursing because the salary is excellent as well as the benefit of seeing the world.
5. Creative Schedule. Many hospitals are creative with their scheduling. I once had a schedule where I worked seven, 12 hour shifts and then had seven days off. I think you will agree that being on vacation every other week is not a bad gig.
6. Professional Environment. You will work with other nurses as well as doctors who will act as mentors as you become an experienced nurse.
7. Awesome Uniform. Where else can you wear your pajamas (scrubs) and crocks?
8. Care Giver. The feeling of knowing that you were involved in saving or enhancing the quality of life for a patient is priceless!
I have selected a few websites that are directed toward the male nurse for your research pleasure. They are:
Male Nurse Magazine
MinorityNurse.com
sunyacc.edu
Let me know if you have questions about becoming a nurse.