More Men Pursuing Nursing
 Studies reveal that more men are choosing nursing as a career. According to the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses, published every four years by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, men make up 6 percent of the 2.9 million nurses registered nationwide, an increase of more than 20,000 men in nursing since 2000.
Ronald Burns, ASN and clinical coordinator at the Medical Center Hospital in Columbus, Ga. considers the once deemed 'traditionally female profession' a diminishing concern. "There are fewer gender biases than were present in earlier years of nursing," said Burns. "Males have the same communication skills, values, beliefs and compassion as their female peers. It doesn't matter if the nurse is male or female, as long as caring and concern is given to each individual."
A 2006 Survey of Men in Nursing, conducted by American Mobile Healthcare, revealed the perception of men in nursing is better than it has ever been, and nursing is appearing more and more appealing to men. Increasing pay rates, job security, highlighting more media profiles of men in nursing as well as, emphasizing the impact on patients' lives, the technical skills required and the ability to travel are six methods the survey cited as "very effective" at encouraging more men to enter and remain in the nursing profession.
More than 85 percent of male nurses surveyed felt very or mostly satisfied with their job, and more than 82 percent would recommend nursing to other men. While attitudes are changing, barriers still exist in recruiting more men into the profession. Subtle workplace hostility and prejudice is still experienced by male nurses in practice. Approximately half of male nurses still occasionally feel belittled by coworkers, friends, patients or others because they are a nurse.
Even as the number of men entering the profession is on the rise, many more are needed to add diversity to the field, and help to alleviate the national nursing shortage that is expected to severely cripple the nation's health care system in the next 10 years.
For more information on men in nursing, visit www.discovernursing.com/. | |
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The Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing's Future proudly celebrates nurses for their invaluable contributions to our health care system and for making a difference in people's lives everyday! In honor of National Nurses Week, the Campaign sponsors a FREE continuing education unit for every nurse in the United States.
To begin your free continuing education unit or learn more, visit www.campainfornursing.com. | 
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J&J/AACN Minority Nurse Faculty Scholarship
In an effort to alleviate the growing shortage of nurse educators, the Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing's Future and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) are offering the Minority Nurse Faculty Scholarship to underrepresented minority nursing students who plan to work as nursing faculty following graduation.
The program supports full-time minority students enrolled in graduate nursing programs, with a preference given to students in doctoral programs.
The application deadline for the 2008 Johnson & Johnson/AACN Minority Nurse Faculty Scholarship is Friday, June 13, 2008. |  |
 KATHLEEN M. MAGUIRE, RN, BSN, MSN, MA, SCHOOL HEALTH COORDINATOR
The School District of Philadelphia
Philadelphia
As a teenager, I began to work in the community hospital as a nurse's aid. I was both thrilled and overwhelmed with the need and shortage of nurses at that time. I enjoyed the patient contact, the learning and the overall experience. I had no second thoughts when applying to college to pursue my career.
I learned early on that nursing is a continuous learning process and recognized that I needed to further my education in order to educate others. The nursing field has changed and continues to grow through research and evidence-based practices.
I continue to work as a nurse although in a different specialty than is commonly sought. My main focus of work is in school nursing. Everyday there are challenges to overcome in working with children, families, schools and the public health system. Sometimes it is a struggle, but the rewards are many.
 SARAH ANGERMULLER, RN, MSN
Medical Center Hospital
Columbus, Ga.
I did not have the opportunity to fulfill my dream of becoming a nurse until later in life because I married and dropped out of school. Fortunately, I was able to complete my high school education shortly after having a child, but was financially unable to enter a nursing program. It was during my husband's illness and eventual death that I began to think seriously about entering a nursing program. After observing the compassion of the nurses who were assigned to his daily care, my goal of becoming a nurse was rekindled. Eight months later, I was accepted to an ADN program.
There are many needs for nurses in all settings. After three months of retirement, I was ready to return to work where I am still employed as a part-time nurse faculty member working with students in the clinical setting. I have also been employed as a PRN staff nurse for nearly 25 years now. Retirement is not an option for me yet. Retired nurses may feel they will get lost in the technical aspects of machines and computers that are now present in most health facilities. I suggest that the retired nurse who may have these feelings, express these concerns in the interview process with a willingness to learn.
 JERRY LUCAS, RN
Norton Audubon Hospital
Louisville, Ky.
I started as a combat medic in the Army and from there was offered the chance to enter the combat nursing program. After leaving the Army, I completed my nursing education and became a nurse.
I was at Ground Zero in New York City 12 hours after the planes hit the World Trade Center, in Biloxi after Hurricane Katrina came ashore and in Lake Charles when Hurricane Rita struck. My job has changed my life in so many ways.
After taking a good look at the real work involved in the field of nursing, you can see that nursing allows you so many different areas in which to work. Nursing will give back to you all that you put in.
In my experience as a nurse, I have found that more and more patients have been happy to have a male nurse care for them. As owner and publisher of MaleNurseMagazine.com, I try to help both men and women understand just how much nursing needs them. I enjoy the nursing profession because at the end of the day, I know I have made a difference in someone's life.
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