Male nurses from around Australia are sharing their stories to encourage more men to pursue a rewarding career in nursing.
“Today we understand that no job is off limits based on a person’s gender,” Australian College of Nursing (ACN) CEO, Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN explained. “We have made great strides in making sure doors are open and glass ceilings are shattered, particularly for women in the workplace.
“In 2019, it is unbelievable to imagine there are jobs only appropriate for women or specific jobs just for men. Yet when it comes to nursing there are still preconceptions and prejudices that imply it should not be a first-choice career for men.”
The Men in Nursing eBook released by ACN is designed to demolish this stereotype. 28 men in nursing representing the breadth of the profession have generously shared their journey to nursing and how it has enriched their lives.
“We hope these stories will encourage many more men to consider the outstanding opportunities a career in nursing offers,” Adjunct Professor Ward said.
While increasing the number of men in nursing has the potential to help address forecast shortages in the future nursing workforce, there are other reasons for inspiring more men to follow their own path into nursing.
“Nurses care for all people and it is important our profession is as diverse as the community we support,” Adjunct Professor Ward said. “For those entering the profession, there is job security and opportunities. Nursing is one of the few professions we know will continue to grow even as job automation increases.”
ACN Men in Nursing Working Party Chair, Luke Yokota MACN said, “When I think of a nurse, I think of someone who truly cares for people, holds and nurtures them. Nurses are not afraid to be there in moments of hardship and joy. Nurses are well educated and vital in the care of all patients. To me, these are genderless attributes.”
Other contributors also highlighted how fulfilling a nursing career is and how proud they are to be a nurse. The collection of stories discuss friendships that have been built, doors that have opened and how becoming a nurse was the perfect fit for them. The authors have had varied careers that include rural health care, management, mental health and even midwifery.
“Paul Sonntag MACN, a nurse with 40 years-experience, reveals in the eBook that he has met with rejection when proposing to career counsellors that he speak with young men about nursing as a profession. ACN hopes to generate change and that the Men in Nursing eBook will eventually be shared widely by our schools as young Australians weigh up their future career choices,” Adjunct Professor Ward said.
“Let’s tell our men that #itsoktocare.”
A full copy of ACN’s Men in Nursing eBook is available here: https://www.acn.edu.au/men-in-nursing.
