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Posted By: Amanda | Posted In: Professional Nursing | May 16, 2023
Males in nursing

The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook cites that the job outlook for registered nurses is set to grow six percent from now until 2031. Following a similar trend, the percentage of males in nursing has steadily risen over the past several years–males now make up approximately 13% percent of the nursing workforce. 

Benefits of Being a Nurse

Although nursing is a more popular career among females, societal movement away from traditional gender roles and a stark increase in the demand for qualified professional nurses has encouraged the idea of males in nursing. Nursing is an exciting and rewarding career that offers many benefits, including:

  • A chance to make a difference and improve people’s lives–the career is particularly rewarding for empaths and extroverts
  • Mentally stimulating for those interested in science and medical developments
  • Excellent future job outlook and superior job stability
  • High job demand, particularly with the aging Boomer population and recent COVID-19 pandemic
  • Fast-paced environment with a variety of patients and cases makes no two days the same
  • Schedule flexibility inherent with shift work
  • A large diversity of nursing specializations provides variety and opportunities for all interests and personality types
  • High potential salary
  • Potential for advanced nursing work, promotions, and management and educational positions
  • Increasing flexibility and opportunities through travel nursing

How much do male nurses make?

Years of experience, education, area of specialization, personal talent, and geographic location all influence typical salaries for registered nurses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median pay for registered nurses in 2021 was $77,600 per year. Although the field is historically female-dominated, males in nursing typically make $7,500 more per year than their female counterparts. Some of the disparity between male and female nurse salaries may be explained by differences in work habits between genders. Men were more likely to work in urban settings compared to rural settings, work in nursing specializations that pay a higher salary or where additional on-call compensation is provided, and work more overtime than female nurses. Overall, salaried nurses make more money than hourly nurses, regardless of gender. 

Benefits of Males in Nursing

Although today nursing is considered a female-dominated field, until the 1800s nursing was typically performed by males due to its connection to religion and the military. To combat the increased demand for nursing care during the U.S. Civil War, women increasingly began to provide nursing services and have since dominated in the field. Perhaps one the most rewarding aspects of males in nursing today is challenging stigmas and paving the way for greater societal acceptance of males in nursing. For example, some prominent misconceptions in the medical field include:

  • Most males that work in medicine are doctors
  • Male nurses are “failed” doctors
  • Men are not as empathetic and caring as women and thereby are not as successful in nursing

The increasing number of males in nursing can help dispel these misconceptions and promote acceptance and recognition that there are many benefits provided by male nurses. Given their ability to stay calm under pressure, many men excel in stressful, fast-paced nursing situations like managing combative patients or navigating the pressures of emergency medicine nursing. Their often superior physical strength is also advantageous for tasks requiring heavy lifting. Diversity in nursing also provides comfort for patients. Some patients may prefer a male nurse and given the high saturation of females in the field, a male nurse is often in demand and appreciated by those patients more comfortable with male medical staff. 

Beginning Your Journey at SABER College

Are you interested in starting a career as a male nurse? SABER College of Nursing prepares students for a career as a registered nurse. We understand that the future of healthcare relies on nurses who are educated in evidence-based practice. Our small class sizes provide individualized attention from faculty and ensure you get the support you need, focusing on helping you build theoretical knowledge and practical clinical skills necessary for career success. Our Professional Nursing Program (PNP) curriculum spans six semesters and consists of 77 credit hours. We offer a blend of theory, laboratory work, and clinical rotation experience, in addition to reinforcement of basic English, mathematical, and scientific skills. Upon graduation, students will receive an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree and will become eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Our Professional Nursing Program is fully accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and licensed by the Commission for Independent Education (CIE). With our flexible schedules, convenient locations, and affordable tuition options, our nursing school in Miami will provide you with the resources and support you need to achieve your educational and career aspirations of becoming a licensed registered nurse. Become part of the growing demand for males in nursing!