Today, men all over the country are vying for coveted spots in nursing schools to train for a profession that is the hottest ticket in the nation.

They still constitute only about 5.8% of all registered nurses (RNs); but men are suddenly willing to take a serious look at a profession that pretty much has it all.

The term “nursing” had been a stumbling block for many, conjuring up the ages old connotation of females wearing white uniforms and rigid nursing caps. But forward-thinking men are looking beyond semantics to discover a career that fits the bill in so many ways.

Nursing is a perfect career for men with the “right stuff”. Some reasons for this are:

• Nursing offers high salaries. According to the 2008 Occupational Employment and Wages Report, the median salary for nurses is $62,450, ranging from $43,410 at the lowest to $92,240. With overtime, many nurses earn even more. For those who are supporting a family, this is definitely a plus.
• Nursing is fast-paced, stimulating and filled with suspense. Each day presents hospital nurses with a new set of circumstances and outcomes; and men may enjoy the “seldom-a-dull-moment” experiences.
• Nursing offers multiple opportunities for advancement. Even after becoming RNs, motivated nurses may continue with online nursing degrees to move into nursing specialties — i.e. forensic nursing, oncology nursing, pediatric nursing, and perioperative nursing. Nurse educators are also in high demand for the training of new nurses. Additional advanced practice specialties, including nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners and clinical nurses, are available with additional certification.
• Nursing studies may be completed in as little as 2 years for registered nursing. Graduates may begin entry-level nursing positions and make money while preparing for the national licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN, which must be passed in order to earn the RN credential.
• Nursing jobs are expected to be plentiful in the future. Nursing is the hottest, in-demand career, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS); and at least half a million additional nurses are needed between the years 2006-20016. Hospital jobs are the most plentiful, along with positions in nursing homes, doctor’s offices and outpatient centers.
• Nursing offers excellent benefits. Most nursing jobs offer generous benefits’ packages, including medical, dental, retirement and more. These are obvious perks, given the benefits cutbacks in other industries. Some employers also sweeten the pot with signing bonuses that may range from a few hundred dollars to more than a thousand dollars.
• Nursing offers flexible schedules. Since medical care is offered round-the-clock at most medical facilities, there are a number of scheduling options for nurses — and seniority is an advantage. Men may find more time to spend with family and friends or to pursue hobbies.
• Nursing requires adequate upper-body strength. Working one-on-one with patients generally requires having the physical strength to move them, and any relevant medical equipment, as needed. Men fit the bill perfectly.
• Nursing is technology oriented. Health care has evolved into a high-tech arena filled with diagnostic machinery, computers and electronic records. Men who love technology should find a home in nursing.
• Nursing is a prestigious, honorable, well-respected profession.

Men will find that the white, starched uniforms have been replaced by casual, comfortable attire, usually blue, in an updated unisex look.

And what is the “right stuff”? Men have an advantage if they have an aptitude for the biological sciences, a desire to work closely with patients and co-workers, a willingness to take orders from doctors and other nurses, and a significant comfort level within medical environments.

Nursing is a wonderful profession for men; and the future will undoubtedly find a higher percentage of them exploring the benefits and opportunities that abound in this widely popular career field.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, October 29th, 2009 at 1:56 pm and is filed under Online schools. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.