Looking to break barriers? A male nurse career can be rewarding and challenging. Make a decision today.
Due to an aging baby boomer generation, careers in health care are poised to grow in number. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be a 26 percent increase in demand for nurses by the year 2020. While male nurses are a minority in the nursing field, the field can be quite rewarding, both financially and personally, and is filled with challenges and opportunities.
Historically, men in nursing go as far back as the days of plague during the European medieval period. Nursing has long been considered one of the noblest professions. Learning about nursing is a good way to find out if it is a good career choice for your particular interests.
A nurse renders medical assistance to patients and assists other medical professionals. Nurses can be employed in a variety of health care settings, including physician's offices, hospitals, nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities. Schools, prisons, home health agencies operated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and veteran's centers all employ nurses. Additionally, some nurses may work privately in a patient's home.
Statistics from a 2008 survey by HHS show that men in nursing represent 6.6 percent of registered nurses in the labor force. Training for male and female nurses is identical. The road to becoming a nurse begins with the decision about which degree you wish to pursue.
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Nurses can gain entry into the nursing field by becoming certified as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), which takes less than two years in most cases. An associates degree in nursing (ADN) also takes around two to three years to complete. A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is a four-year degree. While a master of science in nursing (MSN) takes around six years to earn.
Nearly all community colleges now offer programs for nurses, including nursing programs for beginning nurses or nurses who are already licensed and looking for a midlife career change to become an advanced-level nurse. A career change to nursing can allow anyone who has always dreamed of being a nurse to fulfill that dream, regardless of age.
Prospective students should visit the colleges of their choice and ask for information about nursing. Reply! is a great source for finding nursing programs in your area.
Once a male nursing student has completed the appropriate degree, the next step is to take the national nursing exam. This exam tests the ability of the nurse to render care. Upon passing the test, the nursing student is granted his nursing credentials and can begin practicing nursing.
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Photo credit: Danny Guy. Second photo credit: Thompson Rivers. All photos via Compfight CC.