More men turning to nursing

[cougarnurse]

Hey! Guys! You gotta read this one: More Men Turning to Nursing Careers

In this economy, it's tough to find recession-proof jobs. Now, the face of the nursing industry is changing and it is men breaking the glass ceiling.

"A lot of guys are afraid to go into nursing for whatever reason. ... When they actually get into it, they realize that this is where they needed to be," said Henry Ford Community College Associate Dean of Nursing Katherine Howe.

The numbers tell the story. Back in 2003, the percentage of men in the nursing program was at nine-percent. In 2009, that number is double and expected to grow because there is such a demand.

"I was looking for something that was in demand, couldn't be outsourced very easily and had comperable pay," said Bill Porter.

In 2006, Porter saw the writing on the wall. He took a buyout from General Motors and started studying an industry where there are not enough workers. A shortage of 18,000 nurses is estimated by 2020.

Jeff Beuckelaere used to work for Nissan and is glad he left the company. "I wish I would've did it a long time ago," he said.

Both men graduate in may of 2010 and plan to enter a career they say is exciting as it is rewarding. "I work on a very sick floor and to see those people go from critically ill to eventually walk out of there is really satisifying," said Beuckelaere.

When it comes to facing the stigma that nursing is just a female profession, "I don't know that I'm necessarily worried about that too much," Porter said.

If you're interested in the nursing field, Henry Ford Community College is hosting a non-traditional seminar for men in healthcare careers on Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (313) 845-9617 or visit www.hfcc.edu .

[OldSquidNewNurse]

With the lack of factory jobs in this country I think more men will turn to nursing. However, the issue then becomes how to pay for healthcare?

[SoldierNurse]

Thumbs up to Henry Ford Community College... and Cat!

[cougarnurse]

Thank you very much. I manage to find the occasional good story.

Squid, we pay for it ourselves.....

[Ricu]

Hopefully we'll see some nursing schools open to match the rapid influx of students. I'd hate to see more people get added to waiting lists. With rehabilitation funds getting thrown around everywhere, wouldn't it make sense to put some seed money into a few education programs?

R

[OldSquidNewNurse]

Originally Posted by Ricu

Hopefully we'll see some nursing schools open to match the rapid influx of students. I'd hate to see more people get added to waiting lists. With rehabilitation funds getting thrown around everywhere, wouldn't it make sense to put some seed money into a few education programs?

R

My college is now year round to accommodate the demand. Sucks having summer classes now, but since I'm getting done quicker it'll be worth it in the long run.

[cougarnurse]

Of course, we also have the teacher shortage, too. Round Robin, eh?

[Ricu]

I remember taking classes through the summer when I was in the respiratory therapy program and it did suck. My nursing program was self study so that doesn't recognize summer either, really.

Healthcare education in general seems to run this way, without mercy. I truly believe that there is a sadistic sort of purpose to it because if the student can make it through that kind of rigorous education, (s)he can handle a career in medicine.

Cat, are you referring to teachers in general or nursing instructors?

R

[cougarnurse]

The nursing instructors, of course!

[Cerveza is good]

Rico...I'm attending HFCC right now....I can't decide between respiratory or nursing....I'm on the wait lists for both...Any suggestions? Thanks