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.

We have all heard discussions regarding aging baby boomers which includes many nursing educators. With the advancements in early diagnoses, intervention and preventative treatment, Americans are living longer.

However, as the population ages more direct care from health care facilitators such as nurses will be required. An interesting question was recently raised in Moira Herbst's article “Will the Nursing shortage contribute to more deaths?”

Predictors have been voicing for years that nurses will be in demand as the population ages.  Given the critical nursing shortage that is predicted to get even worse, hospitals are looking for alternative ways to attract nurses. It is interesting that we may be forced to look for nurses trained in foreign countries to help with the shortage.

Moira's article was sent to me by one of our board members who is also an accomplished registered nurse who directs her own business.

If you are researching career choices may I suggest nursing? There are few career choices with a brighter future than nursing.

First, you are guaranteed to always have a job opportunity. Next, entry level nursing positions offer great salary opportunities. Finally, because of the nursing shortage there is greater opportunity for advancement into management and specialty areas such as nursing education.

I am certain you will agree that we want the best care for our friends and family members. The thought of someone dying because of a lack in adequately trained personnel to render life preserving care is sobering.

What do you think?

I am often asked, “What is the difference between a Licensed Practical Nurse and a Certified Medical Assistant?”

Great Question. Both deal with direct patient contact. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) often work in long-term patient care facilities such as extended living centers or nursing homes while Medical Assistants (MA) often work in a short-term environment. An LPN must successfully pass a nursing board exam and become licensed in the state where they plan to work. An MA usually completes a certification exam and operates under the license of the physician.

Medical Assistants work primarily in a doctor’s office assisting the doctor. They assist with the examination process, preparing the patient for tests performed in the office, collecting specimens, etc. The Medical Assistant may also perform various office procedures such as insurance form completion and patient scheduling.

I have been training students to become Medical Assistants for the past 15 years and I am delighted when one of my former students writes or calls to inform me of an interesting case in which they have been involved or that they are now teaching in a medical assisting program.

Both career opportunities afford direct patient care contact that is coveted by those wishing to be caregivers. Usually nursing programs have a waiting list for student entry which is typically not the case with medical assisting programs.

Becoming a Medical Assistant gives you a strong academic foundation which is beneficial if one wishes to later become a Registered Nurse.  To learn more about the Medical Assistant profession, visit  the U.S. Department of Labor - Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Please let me know if you have questions regarding how to become a Medical Assistant.