Nursing is a vital field for many reasons. Yet, there are gaps in employment in many areas. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that, between 2020 and 2030, there is a need for over 276,000 additional positions in this field to be filled. The demand for qualified nurses is likely to grow at a rate o 9 percent. Currently, there are more than 3.9 million people working in nursing professions in the country.
According to the BLS, there is a significant gap in the number of men and women working in this field. It reports that women make up more than 85 percent of registered nurses and nurse practitioners in the workforce. With demand high, why aren’t there more men in the field?
Men do not dominate this field and have not historically. This may be due to gender stereotypes or stigmas in the industry. In the 1970s, just 2.7 percent of people working as registered nurses were men. Since the 1970s, the number of male nurses has increased, but just by 12.7 percent, according to BLS data.
With demand high and some states suffering a much higher demand for qualified individuals than others, entering this role may provide opportunities for many people, both men and women. For those who are unsure if they should enter into this field, it may be helpful to consider what this type of work may involve and what to expect from it.
Paying for an education in nursing may be possible for some men through the use of scholarships. Scholarships for male nursing students could make it a bit easier for some to enroll. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.
What Are the Benefits of Being a Male Nurse?
Being a male nurse may present a number of opportunities and benefits for individuals who are interested in the field. That includes providing for patient needs, standing out in the crowd, and working in various environments. Male nurses may be able to work in just about any environment women nurses do and may find personal joy in various facets of the job. While a personal decision on what fits your needs and goals, many men find benefits in being a nurse numerous.
- Male Nurses Stand Out
Their limited numbers help male nurses to stand out from others. This may mean that people, from patients to doctors, get to know these nurses a bit better and may be more likely to reach out or communicate with them.
- Male Nurses Make Care More Accessible
For those who are uncomfortable with women nurses, having a male nurse may prove to be highly desirable. Some patients prefer a nurse of one gender or another. Male nurse availability, then, may be important to meeting patient needs and demands.
- Variety of Work Environments and Opportunities
For men who wish to engage in nursing opportunities, there are a number of different locations to potentially pursue these opportunities. The largest employers of registered nurses in the U.S., according to the BLS, included:
- Hospitals, including state, local, and private locations, account for 61 percent of positions
- Ambulatory healthcare services, accounting for 18 percent of positions
- Nursing and residential care facilities, accounting for 6 percent of positions
- Government positions, accounting for 5 percent of positions
- Educational services at the state, local, or private level account for 3 percent of positions
- Some Nursing Positions Are More Flexible
Male nurses may be able to take advantage of the various flexibilities in the field. This may include having access to childcare at work or looking for more of a work-life balance. Nurses may also be able to work varied shifts to meet patient needs but also their needs at home, in some cases.
- For Many, Nursing May Be a Worthy Field
Though a person’s unique needs exist, some may find this to be a worthy and rewarding field. Helping patients in dire need and being there to support the healing process may prove beneficial to many. The nursing field benefits from smart and capable leaders, too. Even through difficult shifts, the work of those in the nursing field is work that is needed and respected.
- Opportunities to Overcome Challenges
A male nurse may struggle with challenges in day-to-day work environments, much like women. Gender-specific concerns may exist from time to time, though. For example, there are misconceptions that men may be as empathetic as women may be, and that may be a frustration you feel during this type of work. Yet, the more men that enter into the field and demonstrate this is not the case, the more opportunities exist for this stereotype to be eliminated over time.
What Are Some Misconceptions About Male Nurses?
There are scholarships for males going into nursing that is available. But if you are unsure if this field is one you wish to pursue, consider the common misconceptions of men who work in this field. While male nurses may face challenges and stereotypes, this does not mean they may not be skilled, highly efficient nurses.
Some common misconceptions about men in this field may include:
- They couldn’t make it in medical school, so they studied nursing instead. That’s often rarely the case.
- Men lack compassion and empathy necessary for this field. This is also commonly not the case.
- Nursing is a position just for women because women have always done it. Some people may not recognize that they could fit into this role, recognizing that it is a field where both men and women could thrive.
Do Colleges Offer Male Nursing Programs Online?
Many colleges and universities offer nursing programs for men and women without limitation on which gender could apply. It may be possible to inquire from the college or university about the number of students that fit either gender role if that is important to you when choosing a college to attend. Some schools may publish information, too, about the types of careers students end up in after they finish their education. That may provide some insight into which school to consider.
Are There Scholarship Programs for Male Nurses?
There are a number of scholarships for male nursing students available. These organizations aim to help encourage men to take on the nursing education process to help fill the gaps in employment within the industry. For those who wish to enter the industry, these scholarships for male nursing students may offer some support.
The following are a few examples of these scholarship programs for male nurses.
- Children’s National Hospital Pediatric Nursing Student Scholarship