Nursing is a very rewarding career. For several years, indeed centuries, nursing was perceived as a women-only job, and there has been a stigma attached to males becoming a nurse. Society and individuals questioned the motives of the male gender pursuing a career in nursing.
Thanks to gender equality, there has been a significant rise in the number of registered male nurses. Gender equality not only helped women break the glass ceiling in several professions. It also helped men dare to pursue careers in industries that were strictly tagged as female-only jobs.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, 13.3% of registered nurses (RNs) were male. Aside from the feeling of fulfillment that comes with helping people in need, there are several benefits to pursuing a career as a male nurse practitioner. The advantages of becoming a male nurse include the following:
Job security
The healthcare sector is constantly evolving. New medical innovations, treatment methods, and areas of specialization are continually being developed to meet specific needs and address certain illnesses. Due to this, organizations and healthcare facilities are seeking highly qualified nurses to work in the new areas of specialization. Other factors affecting the demand for nursing and healthcare professionals include the increase in the old adult population.
Aside from demographics, a nationwide nursing shortage makes nursing a highly sought-after career with high potential and job security. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031.
To support male patients, many hospitals require a significant number of well-trained, highly professional male nurses. There is a constant need for nurses, making it a reliable and consistent profession. The growing demand for nurses ensures high job security in the field.
Diverse areas of specialization
One of the major benefits of pursuing a degree to become a nurse is the several areas of specialization you get to choose from. In the nursing field, you can find a job that suits your personality. If you love a good adrenaline rush and like a dynamic environment where you can’t predict what will happen next, you should work in the ER. If you want to combine your love of traveling and your passion for nursing, you can opt to work as a travel nurse. Other areas of specialization include:
- Flight/transport nurse
- Operating Room Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- OB/GYN Nurse
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Rehabilitation Nurse
- Nurse administrator
This list only scratches the surface of the areas of specialization available for male nurses. Before selecting an area to specialize in, you should think about what motivates you. Also, consider what patient groups you’d like to care for and what work setting you would best excel in. You can choose to work in several settings, including hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, government agencies, and in-home healthcare. There are many opportunities available for males in the nursing sector. You can find a career that makes you happy and gives you a sense of purpose.
Competitive salaries with additional perks
Nurses typically earn highly competitive salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average registered nurse pay in 2022 was $82,750 per year. Nursing wages vary based on many factors. Some factors determining how much you earn as a nurse include location, employer, education, certification, and experience level. Although women comprise a larger proportion of the workforce, male nurses earn more than female colleagues.
According to the 2020 Nurse Salary Research Report, men in nursing earned $80,000 per year, while women earned $72,700. As a male entering nursing, you should be confident that you can earn good money. Aside from the competitive salaries, working in the nursing field comes with special benefit packages. Nursing benefit packages typically include:
- Mental health services
- Health insurance
- Paid family leave
- Tuition reimbursements
- Paid time off
- Retirement benefits
- Reimbursement for certification fees.
The type of benefit packages organizations offer differ from one another. Also, your ability to negotiate, skill level, work experience, and others affect the type of benefit package you receive. The monetary and nonmonetary benefits of a nursing career can help improve your financial security.
Flexibility
More men should consider a nursing career because it allows for flexibility in scheduling, work environments, and specialization. Nursing is perfect for men looking for a versatile job. Hospitals, outpatient facilities, pediatric offices, government agencies, emergency care centers, and several other facilities need to be staffed 24 hours a day. For accurate scheduling and to ensure an efficient and productive workforce, healthcare institutions base working hours and days off on predicted demand.
Nurses have the option of an 8-hour shift, 10-hour shift, and 12-hour shift. The hours of shifts you may choose to work will depend on your area of specialization and your employer. As a nurse, you can schedule your shifts to make time for your personal life. You can work a typical 9-to-5 schedule or choose variable shifts, night shifts, or part-time jobs.
There is also the option to work per diem. Nurses who work per diem are hired on a temporary basis to take up vacant positions in medical facilities. These jobs allow you to set your own schedules and have no minimum shift restrictions. Per diem jobs typically pay more per hour than a staff position but do not include benefit packages. If you do not want to be tied by standard work schedules, you can have the option to work per diem.
Schooling and scholarship options
Pursuing a career as a registered nurse has become quite easy. There are several nursing programs you can take, and they come in different formats. Some of these formats include online learning, on-campus learning, and hybrid learning, a mixture of online and on campus. There are so many options available for schooling and training, such as the flexible courses available at Spring Arbor University. Spring Arbor programs will give you the knowledge and confidence to succeed as a male nurse. If you want to advance your career opportunities and chances of earning higher pay, you need to take certain exams and have specific certifications.
Organizations in the US that offer nurse practitioners certifications include the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Although both organizations offer certifications, they differ in the type and format of their exams. When considering AANP vs. ANCC exams, it’s essential to research and decide which better aligns with your career goals. Without certifications, you cannot work in some high-level areas of specialization in nursing.
In addition, organizations offer several male nursing student scholarships. For example, The American Assembly of Men in Nursing provides scholarships and training to eligible male applicants. It aims to encourage more males to pursue a degree in nursing. By taking advantage of these scholarships, you can pursue a career in a field that offers competitive salaries and job security without spending a lot or taking student loans.
Conclusion
Choosing to become a male nurse practitioner offers significant benefits that go beyond traditional gender roles and stereotypes. Male nurse practitioners bring unique viewpoints and skills to the table, making patient care even more well-rounded and complete. The increasing demand for nurse practitioners also opens doors to various career opportunities and growth potential. By stepping into this role, males can show that they’re not just part of the healthcare landscape, but also pioneers helping redefine it. Becoming a male nurse practitioner allows you to make a difference in people’s lives and achieve financial stability and professional development.
