NAS DEPARTMENT

Although the number of men entering nursing has increased over the years, the numbers still remain around ten to fifteen per cent of all the students entering nursing. Over the last two decades, the nursing profession has undergone many critical changes giving us greater responsibility and expanding clinical research needed to improve health promotion and care. Increasing numbers of men are found in all areas of nursing care. In addition to medical-surgical units, operating rooms, intensive care and mental-health areas, they can also be found in pediatrics, neonatal intensive care, and even in some maternity units.

Many nurses, both men and women, are seeking higher positions in education, nursing management and advanced nursing practice. Many go on to obtain postgraduate degrees in specialties, becoming nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, clinical specialists and nurse practitioners. Men and women within the nursing profession work collegially without clinical discrepancies or issues regarding gender.

Reference: Donahue, Patricia M. (1999). Nursing, The Finest Art: An Illustrated History. St. Louis: Mosby.

For more information regarding "men in nursing" go to the web site,
The American Assembly for Men in Nursing at http://www.aamn.org/aamnfoundationscholarships.htm and Men in American Nursing History located at http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/6011/sld003.htm .