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Profiles in Nursing
Men in Nursing: Michael Aul, RN, BSN
Team Leader, Medical Intensive Care Unit, Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Lakeland, Florida
Nursing career: I have been an RN for more than 10 years and have worked in critical care, interventional radiology, medical-surgical and home 
health. I have a BSN from University of Central Florida and am currently an ARNP student at the University of South Florida.
Something unique about you: I am an avid hiker and have completed over 100 miles of section hikes on the Appalachian Trail. I volunteer for the Florida Trail Association, the Ridge Rangers and various wildlife management organizations. I have Florida Master Naturalist certification through the University of Florida for environmental education.
Men make up six percent of nurses in the U.S. and 12 percent of the nursing student body. What do you think of this statistic? “The only thing a male should nurse is a really good bottle of Scotch” is one of my favorite jokes about male nurses. You have to laugh in life, even at some silly stereotypes. What is really funny is how those stereotypes are vanishing as our economy spirals out of control. As jobs disappear, a career in nursing is attracting more and more men from all walks of life.
Did you get resistance for your career choice? No. I received an overwhelming amount of support from everyone. I worked with construction workers while going to nursing school, and after the usual ribbing, taunting and teasing guys do with each other, they commended me for my efforts.
Do you find that patients accept nurses who are men? I have had only one patient in my career that declined my care. Although, I was a student and it was in labor and delivery. I do try and be mindful of my female patients and will ask if they have any concerns. I will take the initiative to provide a female staff member to assist in sensitive duties. I find confidence and professionalism puts patients at ease regardless of gender.
Advice to men entering the nursing field: I don’t recommend nursing to just anyone. It is a tough job and you really need to have compassion in your heart to care for another human being. If you are interested, there are numerous resources available to provide support. Use them!
Final thoughts: Job security in nursing is second to none. Nursing has provided many directions for career opportunities in clinical, administrative and community areas. There are programs available for nurses with a BSN to seek a MBA. Most hospitals provide tuition reimbursement. Two years of school and you can make more money than most four-year college degree graduates.
health. I have a BSN from University of Central Florida and am currently an ARNP student at the University of South Florida.Something unique about you: I am an avid hiker and have completed over 100 miles of section hikes on the Appalachian Trail. I volunteer for the Florida Trail Association, the Ridge Rangers and various wildlife management organizations. I have Florida Master Naturalist certification through the University of Florida for environmental education.
Men make up six percent of nurses in the U.S. and 12 percent of the nursing student body. What do you think of this statistic? “The only thing a male should nurse is a really good bottle of Scotch” is one of my favorite jokes about male nurses. You have to laugh in life, even at some silly stereotypes. What is really funny is how those stereotypes are vanishing as our economy spirals out of control. As jobs disappear, a career in nursing is attracting more and more men from all walks of life.
Did you get resistance for your career choice? No. I received an overwhelming amount of support from everyone. I worked with construction workers while going to nursing school, and after the usual ribbing, taunting and teasing guys do with each other, they commended me for my efforts.
Do you find that patients accept nurses who are men? I have had only one patient in my career that declined my care. Although, I was a student and it was in labor and delivery. I do try and be mindful of my female patients and will ask if they have any concerns. I will take the initiative to provide a female staff member to assist in sensitive duties. I find confidence and professionalism puts patients at ease regardless of gender.
Advice to men entering the nursing field: I don’t recommend nursing to just anyone. It is a tough job and you really need to have compassion in your heart to care for another human being. If you are interested, there are numerous resources available to provide support. Use them!
Final thoughts: Job security in nursing is second to none. Nursing has provided many directions for career opportunities in clinical, administrative and community areas. There are programs available for nurses with a BSN to seek a MBA. Most hospitals provide tuition reimbursement. Two years of school and you can make more money than most four-year college degree graduates.
This article is from workingnurse.com
