The Male Nurse: Benefits and Expectations
More men are choosing to become nurses. While the nursing profession has historically been a female-dominated career, nursing offers a lot of benefits for men who also want to enter the field. Registered nurses are in high demand. There is also high growth potential in the field.
Benefits for Male Registered Nurses
The benefits for male registered nurses are the same reasons why women often join the field. Job security is a huge benefit for many. This does not mean that a registered nurse will keep the same job at the same hospital throughout their career, but that there are plenty of opportunities available to get a nursing position. No hospital runs smoothly without the work of nurses.
Nursing salaries are also a benefit. Entry-level nurses can earn a median of $35.24 an hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Registered Nurses may earn more or less than that depending on different factors, but the salary is definitely a draw for many people.
Another benefit to a career as a male registered nurse is the respect of the field. Nursing is an essential part of healthcare. Hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and other medical facilities need enough nurses to take care of the influx of patients. Nurses are the backbone of the medical field in many ways.
One more benefit of becoming a registered nurse is that they can enter the field with only a two-year degree. Doctors and physicians need to complete eight or more years of education and training before they can enter the field. Nurses, on the other hand, can start their careers with an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN).
Expectations of Male Registered Nurses
Male registered nurses have the same expectations regarding their job as female nurses have. Registered nurses need to have adequate medical knowledge to do their jobs in an effective manner. They also need to know how to communicate with both patients and other medical professionals. Compassion is an essential personality trait for nurses, as well.
Nurses need to be able to think quickly and solve problems. While some days will seem slow or standard, there will be other days that are fast-paced and hectic. Emergency room nurses, for example, will be dealing with life-threatening emergencies on a daily basis. From natural disasters to car accidents to pandemics, nurses need to be as ready as possible to handle what comes into the hospital.
Registered nurses also need to be able to work as a team and take direction. In some emergencies, it will be an “all hands on deck” situation and everyone will need to contribute in ways they may not be used to doing. That means taking direction from a different physician than usual or even a different Nursing Manager.
On a daily basis, registered nurses need to work as a team as well. This is not a solitary job. Nurses work with people all day, every day. Nurses are expected to work well with others and provide high-quality care. It’s important to ask questions when not sure about something because a mistake could cost lives.
Do you have what it takes to become a registered nurse? Contact us to learn more about our ASN program and get started on your journey today!