Men in Nursing: Practicing Skills, Changing Perceptions
A Q&A with Alumni
Ben Harrell and Josh Belluche graduated from the First Professional Degree Program with their BSNs in May 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked them to reflect on how they became interested in nursing, their experiences since graduating and any advice they would give to someone thinking about a career in nursing.
Q. How did you become interested in nursing?
Ben: When I was younger, I was the kid who always wanted to know what everyone did in the doctor's office. I was infatuated with everything my nurse and pediatrician did for their patients.
Josh: My decision to apply for nursing school was based on shadowing my neighbor, who worked as an ER nurse, and enjoying those experiences. During my senior year, I had a clinical instructor during one of my clinical placements who greatly inspired me and influenced how I view my role as a nurse. Those 13 weeks in clinical inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in nursing education to eventually teach and become a clinical instructor. I am almost halfway through completing the program.
Q. What has nursing been like for you since graduating?
Ben: Transitioning from student nurse to RN was not easy. Policies and procedures are constantly changing to adapt to COVID challenges.
Josh: It was difficult graduating in the spring of 2020 and beginning my career as a nurse during the pandemic, but during these 18 months, I have met some truly remarkable nurses, doctors, physical therapists and other staff members. As a new nurse, I received overwhelming support from other senior nurses and staff who started their profession around the time I did.
Q. What challenges and benefits have you found from being a nurse who happens to be a male?
Ben: Colleagues will often use me or other male nurses to "boost" patients. I didn't accept a nursing position because of my physical capabilities—I accepted the position to provide safe patient care. As a male, I have a distinct advantage: I am very recognizable.
Josh: The biggest challenge is dealing with patients that may not want a male nurse, or who are clearly uncomfortable with a male nurse taking care of them. This can be difficult, and something that male nurses need to be cognizant of when practicing nursing. The other challenge can be patients assuming that I am a doctor or will be a doctor just because I am male. However, there have been situations where I’m with a female nurse with 10+ years of experience and the patient shows me more respect. The treatment is unfair and there can also be a slight degree of animosity with some staff when this happens.
Q. What advice would you give someone thinking about a career in nursing?
Ben: My advice would be this: "Why?" Why are we giving this medication to the patient? Does the patient know why they are taking this medication? Do they need education? Constantly question current practice. Is there a better solution? What is the reason behind current practice? Although many nursing students will tell you that evidence-based practice is tedious, it creates positive patient outcomes. Even when one finishes school, you will learn new things every day in the clinical setting. Be open to learning. Be open to change. This will make you a better nurse.
Josh: Nursing has a high degree of freedom with scheduling and choosing distinct roles and practice environments. I think overall, the flexibility both in terms of time, career advancement and different roles in nursing is understated and something to consider when thinking about a career in nursing.