Why are Men Important in Nursing?
Nursing forms an integral part of the healthcare sector. However, it is also one of the areas that lacks gender diversity.
When individuals complete a diploma in nursing or a bachelor of nursing, they are deemed qualified to become nurses and join the healthcare field. Irrespective of the right educational guidance, the nursing field lacks gender equality.
Need for Gender Equality in the Medical Field
Gender equality must be of paramount importance in a specific field and in all fields. It is even more important in the medical field to ensure that all patients receive the highest quality of care possible.
Lack of gender diversity in the medical field may lead to overlooking certain perspectives and experiences.
This could lead to a lack of understanding of the problem and a lack of sensitivity toward certain patients. Research has shown that a more diverse workforce can improve patient treatment options.
Gender equality in the medical field can help break stereotypes and biases, leading to more inclusive and equitable healthcare systems for one and all.
If innovation in healthcare is to be promoted, there is a need to ensure that all genders are properly represented in various leadership roles and decision-making processes.
According to a recent study by the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, the demand and job openings for nurses are expected to go up by 7% from 2019 to 2029.
Over the years, male nurses have become commonplace within the medical field. While gender equality has helped women break through barriers, even men benefit since they can explore fields they otherwise wouldn’t.
Having a mix of men and women in the workforce, especially among nurses, can help patients get better care.
Men bring a different perspective and approach that can lead to more effective treatment. A diverse workforce also helps with better understanding and sensitivity toward patients of all genders.
Men have traditionally been underrepresented in the medical field of nursing, and women make up most of the workforce. However, this article will analyze why men are important in the nursing field.
Reasons Why Men are Important in Nursing
1. They Act as Role Models
Men in nursing serve as role models for young boys and men considering a career in healthcare. This helps break stereotypes that nursing is considered a “woman’s job” and encourages more men to take this up as a career opportunity.
2. They Can Help Address the Nursing Shortage
With an aging population and long-lived stereotypes, nursing has been facing shortages for a while now. This can be addressed when more men join the nursing field.
Since the demand for healthcare services is increasing, the need for qualified nurses is also increasing. Male nurses can help fill this gap and ensure all patients get quality healthcare services.
3. Men Introduce Diverse Skillsets
Men bring different perspectives and skill sets to the nursing field. They have different physical abilities, including greater upper body strength, which can be extremely beneficial in nursing.
Men nurses can help in moving and lifting patients as well. Their different and unique ways of commnication can also make them more patient-friendly and help the medical field as a whole.
4. They Create a More Inclusive and Equitable Healthcare System
Men in nursing can help to ensure a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system. They can help break stereotypes and biases to ensure that patients of every gender get the same level of care and attention.
They can also bring an unbiased perspective to the decision-making process and contribute to the advancement of the medical profession.
5. They Get a Competitive Compensation
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for registered nurses who are qualified with a diploma in nursing or a bachelor of nursing is approximately $82,750.
Within the nursing field, even though women are more in number, male nurses get higher salaries. This should motivate men to choose nursing as their profession.
6. Some Patients Prefer Them
There may be some tasks that male nurses perform better. Patients are aware of this, so their preference towards them is a lot higher. More inclusivity also ensures a split in tasks that women may not be comfortable with.
All in All
Men form a crucial part of the nursing profession, and their presence can lead to better patient care. Encouraging more and more men to pursue a career in nursing and promoting gender diversity can help improve healthcare quality.
It is important to ensure that there is motivation and enough initiatives taken in nursing schools to promote gender diversity.
