One of the most common stereotypes about the nursing profession is that it is female-dominated. In reality, male nurses have been providing patients with safe, valuable and compassionate care for decades. Learn more about the role of men in nursing.
Can Men Be Nurses? Debunking the Myths and Stereotypes Surrounding Male Nurses
Men can certainly be nurses — not to mention, nursing men can be just as effective and nurturing as women. Unfortunately, however, many stereotypes still exist today about men in nursing. By working to break barriers and end the stigma, male nurses can have a positive impact on patients, their family members and the healthcare facilities where they work.
Common Misconceptions
According to , these are examples of common misconceptions about men and nursing:
- Male nurses are less empathetic and caring than female nurses.
- Male nurses have physical strength but are not able to provide emotional support.
- Men become nurses because they were not able to successfully complete medical school and become a doctor.
In fact, most men who work as registered nurses (RNs) have chosen that career path specifically. They can provide the same level of care and compassion as any other nurse while also bringing a unique perspective and skill set to the profession.
Skills Men Bring to Nursing
Nursing is a profession that requires both physical and emotional strength, making men well-suited to the role. They often have the physical ability to lift and maneuver patients, plus provide a different perspective when collaborating with healthcare providers and working directly with their patients.
Professionalism and Rigor of Nursing
According to the , professionalism is a core value in nursing. Men are equally as capable of upholding professionalism standards and meeting the rigorous demands of the field — which focuses on important values such as:Â
- Integrity
- Honesty
- Inclusivity
- Compassion
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- Social justice
Why More Men Are Choosing Nursing: Exploring the Motivations
The proportion of men in nursing has increased steadily since the 1970s. According to the , men comprise more than 12% of the nursing workforce, and within the past 10 years, the number of nursing men has increased by more than 59%. Breaking barriers and reducing the stigma surrounding men in nursing, male nurses have been able to make a significant impact in the field.
The Desire to Help Others and Make a Difference
Men choose to pursue a career as a nurse for the same reason that many women do: It’s a rewarding profession that allows them to help patients and make a difference in their lives. With a wide range of specialty areas to pursue, many men may combine their passion for nursing with their areas of interest or expertise, giving them an opportunity to personalize their career path.
Career Stability and Security
The demand for qualified nurses across all specialty areas is high. According to the United States , the nursing field is expected to grow by more than 6% between 2023 and 2033, with more than 197,000 jobs added each year. Male nurses will find that once they have a job as a registered nurse, they may enjoy a stable career for years to come.
A Profession That Values Uniqueness and Teamwork
Nursing has long been considered a collaborative field, with most nurses working with colleagues to formulate the best plans for their patients, get support and develop innovative solutions that can move their healthcare facilities forward. The profession has long prioritized inclusivity and uniqueness, meaning that male nurses should be welcomed members of any nursing team.
Thriving as a Male Nurse: Addressing Challenges and Finding Support
All nurses find the job to be challenging at times. Patients can become disgruntled, and family members or even other staff may be difficult to work with. However, male nurses can face certain obstacles that female nurses may not. There is the potential for encountering stereotypes from patients, colleagues or the public, leaving male nurses to navigate through such situations or dispel myths.
Navigating Gender Bias (Internal and External)
Gender bias in nursing can manifest both internally and externally. According to research published in the  journal, nurses feel that gender bias exists within healthcare facilities, with some believing that men are chosen for career advancement opportunities more often than women — whereas women are given preference when it comes to delegating roles and responsibilities. Externally, patients sometimes believe that male nurses are not as competent or skilled as their female counterparts. Through advocating for yourself and the rest of your nursing team, you can promote inclusive policies that reduce the presence of gender bias.
Building Camaraderie and Finding Mentorship
Men in nursing sometimes do not feel they have the same level of internal support that female nurses have. Working together and developing a support network within your nursing team, you can forge lasting connections with the nurses in your unit. You may be able to find a mentor in your healthcare, too, who could help you navigate the unique challenges you may face as a male nurse.
Utilizing Strengths and Unique Perspectives
As a male nurse, you bring a distinct skill set to the facility. Promote your strengths and highlight the perspective that you can offer. Representation is vital in the healthcare field, and at times, male patients may feel more comfortable with a male provider or better understood by a male nurse.
Advocating for Gender Equality in the Profession
While many healthcare facilities are actively working to reduce gender bias, there is still progress to be made in order to achieve gender equality in nursing. Male nurses can actively advocate for improved gender equality by promoting inclusive workplace policies and amplifying diverse voices in the nursing workforce.
Resources and Organizations for Men in Nursing
For greater professional support, male nurses can consider joining professional organizations and associations for men in the profession. For instance, the  aims to support male nurses through local initiatives, training programs and skill development opportunities. By participating in the AAMN and other organizations, male nursing professionals can connect with one another and discover new opportunities in the field.
Career Paths and Opportunities for Men in Nursing
Across all specialty areas, men will find opportunities in nursing. However, some specialty areas and opportunities may attract more male nurses than others. Understanding the opportunities that may be available can help you craft a career path that aligns with your personal interests and strengths in nursing.
High-Demand Specialties
Some of the high-demand include:
- Emergency room (ER) nursing – The fast-paced nature of the ER requires quick thinking and hands-on care, making this an exciting specialty area to pursue.
- Nursing informatics – Combining information science with nursing, informatics plays a pivotal part in the nursing profession. Nursing informatics specialists work to analyze data in order to implement evidence-based solutions in healthcare settings.
- Intensive care unit (ICU) nursing – Similar to the ER, the ICU requires nurses to possess strong clinical judgment and advanced nursing skills.
Leadership and Management Roles
After completing an RN to BSN online program, male nurses may be eligible for more nurse leadership and management roles throughout their careers, such as shift supervisor positions, nurse educator opportunities and more. According to the , there is substantial demand for nurse leaders who are professional, ethical and responsible.
Entrepreneurship in Nursing
Perhaps surprising to some, there are several entrepreneurial endeavors one may pursue in the nursing profession. Examples of nurses may consider include seeking consulting positions, creating their own educational programs or providing specialized nursing services.
Advice for Men Considering a Career in Nursing
Now is an excellent time for men to consider a career in nursing. The number of men who work in the nursing profession continues to grow with each passing year, with plenty of new opportunities to explore.
Research and Shadowing
Before enrolling in a nursing degree program, you may want to spend time researching the nursing profession and learning more about the specialty areas available. Consider shadowing opportunities where you can follow a nurse around for the day and see more about what their daily life is like. Through research and shadowing, you can gain the perspective you need to finalize your decision.
Networking and Connecting With Others
Begin networking as soon as possible to connect with other male nurses and start a support network. Through networking, you may discover unique opportunities and learn more about niche nursing positions (such as working as a travel nurse).
Focusing on Passion and Purpose
As you begin your application for an RN to BSN online program, zero in on your passion for nursing and your desire to care for patients. You can showcase your purpose in your personal statement, which you will submit as part of your application.
Ignoring Stereotypes and Embracing the Opportunity
There is no strict definition of who can or should be a nurse based on their background. Ignore those who say that men may not make suitable nurses; if you have the skill set and drive, ample opportunities are available to forge ahead and pursue the career of your dreams.
Learn More About the Role of Men in Nursing at 91ÌÒÉ«
Can men be nurses? Of course! At 91ÌÒÉ«, our RN to BSN online program is designed for all nurses who want to advance their careers and explore specialty areas in nursing.Â
Male nurses with an associate degree in nursing will find that this undergraduate degree program allows them to expedite their education and accelerate the process of earning a BSN degree. This program features an evidence-based curriculum focused on cultural awareness, safety and improving patient outcomes through a holistic approach to nursing.  about our nursing degree programs today.