Nursing needs more than a few good men, and it may be starting to get them.
Recent U.S. Department of Labor statistics show that men are inching closer to becoming 7 percent of the registered nurse population — up from 3 percent in 1980 — and more men are enrolled in nursing schools. The Johnson & Johnson national campaign for nurses highlights male and female nursing profiles on its Web site. At a recent meeting of the American Nurses Association, there were restrooms designated for both women and men.
For the first time, David Bennett, Ph.D., RN, assistant dean of the WellStar School of Nursing at Kennesaw State University, is seeing young men enter nursing school because their fathers were nurses. Women have always been inspired by mothers, aunts or good friends who were nurses.
"Now, we're seeing more second-generation male nurses," Bennett said.
Having mentors is an important part of attracting and keeping nurses in the profession, and, traditionally, men have had to look hard to find male role models.
When Stanley Harris, MSN, BSN, RN, Ed.D., graduated as a licensed practical nurse in 1984, there were only two men in his class. There were no men in his bachelor's and master's of nursing classes, and he never had a male nursing professor.
"But when I went to work, I connected with James 'Skeeter' Wall, who took me under his wing and taught me a lot. He brought humor and dedication to the work force, and I thank him for that," Harris said.
Harris went on to become an assistant nurse manager in labor and delivery and the first male manager of that unit at the health clinic at Grady Memorial Hospital. Today, he's a nurse manager in orthopedics at WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta.
"Nursing has been a very good profession," Harris said. "It's carried me into places that I would never otherwise have gone. I've formed a lot of lasting relationships and seen a lot of positive changes.
"We've broken down a lot of barriers, but I'm still concerned about numbers and job types. We need to attract more men, and I'd like to see more of them become managers. There's a lot of untapped talent out there."
He tells men interested in the field that it's a "progressive profession with many areas for growth and potential."
Knowing the value of professional relationships, Harris founded the Northwest Georgia Chapter of the American Assembly of Men in Nursing, which will begin meeting in March. Membership is open to both men and women.
"Our goals are to increase the visibility of male nurses; to encourage men of all ages to become nurses; to join with all nurses in strengthening and humanizing care; and to support male nurses in their professional growth," Harris said.
The organization also plans to serve the community and advocate for continued research and education about men's health issues.
Members will start by preparing a monthly breakfast for the homeless at the Samaritan House in Atlanta.
"Right now, we are the first chapter in Georgia, but nurses in Albany and Savannah have already contacted us about how to start chapters," he said.
For more information about the group, visit http://ngcaamn.com.
- Do you have any story ideas for Pulse? Tell us about your career and what you do after hours. Send e-mail to pulseeditor@ajc.com or call 404-526-2078.