Breaking down stereotypes the key for male nurses

Written by Dave Mabell
Source: Lethbridge Herald

Women as bishops? Jamaicans as bobsledders?

Neither group seems to be facing as many stereotypes as men becoming nurses.

That’s the report from Peter Kellett, a health sciences instructor at the University of Lethbridge. He’s working to encourage more men to consider a career in nursing, and says he’s finding some success.

“More men applied to the nursing program over the last year,” although not all followed through. And health science’s new baccalaureate nursing program, for students who’ve already earned a first degree, attracted considerable male interest as well.

But still, Kellett says, less than six per cent of the nation’s registered nurses are male. In contrast, more than half the enrolment in many of Canada’s medical schools is female.

Women have also proven successful as ministers and bishops in churches in Alberta and across Canada. As for those bobsledders . . .

Some people still find difficulty seeing men as professional caregivers, however.

“A lot of people are still tying themselves to certain roles,” Kellett says. “Part of the issue is society’s views about gender.”

As Canadians increasingly value diversity in their communities, some of these stereotypes are fading.

“We’re a far more diverse population today.”

And now more men are training for a career in nursing, Kellett points out. In psychiatry, about one nurse in seven is male, and male RNs are making their mark in intensive or critical care situations as well.

“I think one of the misconceptions is that nursing is somehow a lower profession,” he suggests — but it’s not.

“It’s very much a dynamic and challenging career and very worthwhile to be a part of.

“You make a difference every day.”

A nurse for 14 years, before becoming an instructor, Kellett is the son of an RN. Like others, he considered other roles in health care.

“What attracted me to nursing is that nurses are the people who have a long-term relationship with the patients,” he says. “I think the bond between nurse and patient is like no other in the health-care field.”

As part of his determination to see more men enter the profession, Kellett organized a recruitment event at U of L recently and plans another in the fall. But he encourages anyone to contact him — at peter.kellett@uleth.caThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it — for more information any time.