Busting Gender Myths: Why Men Should Enroll in a LPN-RN Program?

It is no secret that women dominate the nursing field. According to the American Nurses Association, only 6% of all nurses nationwide are men. But that gap is beginning to narrow.

More men are now entering the nursing field. This is mostly due to the well publicized shortage of nurses in U.S. Men are being welcomed like never before. They are now encouraged and supported to pursue nursing. The American Assembly for Men in Nursing (AAMN) is encouraging men to enroll in nursing school, with a goal of increasing male enrollment in nursing programs to 20% by 2020. What better way to shatter the stereotype than for more men to become nurses?

Check out the top reasons men should consider a nursing career and enroll in a program to become a licensed practical nurse and/or registered nurse.

Job Security

Benefits & Opportunities

Specialty Options

There are many specialties within the LPN–RN scope of employment. Some of this different patient care environment may be particularly appealing to men, such as anesthesia, flight, emergency, or trauma nursing. Other nursing specialties in the field that male nurses may want to explore include middle management, nursing education, nurse practitioner, oncology, psychiatry, pediatrics, and administration. Nursing is not a one-size-fits-all profession; for both male and female nurses. The diversity of specalities, like trauma or peds, can offer nurses limitless opportunities to become certified in a specific type of nursing. 

A male LPN is also perfect to work in long-term care facilities such as a VA hospital, because they have an advantage over their female counterparts if they have served in the armed forces, as they can relate to what the veterans are going through.

Some Patients Prefer a Male Nurse

While female patients are usually given the option of a female nurse, men are rarely afforded the same dignity. However, for modesty reasons, some male patients may simply prefer a nurse of the same gender. It is also often easier for men to create a sense of camaraderie with their long-term patients because many of the male patients feel more comfortable with a male nurse. Many male patients also prefer a male nurse when it comes to intimate treatments like catheterization, as they feel it is easier for a man to do.

Nursing is a rewarding career regardless of gender. It allows you to be of service to those that really need help and play a direct role in their recovery, which leads to great professional job satisfaction. As more men join the profession, they’ll help erode the gender bias and the nursing stereotype, and the bias will become a thing of the past. Launch your nursing career with Athena Career Academy.