[cougarnurse]

Thought you'd like to read this, guys: College of Nursing ranked best for men - Campus

Every year, the American Assembly for Men in Nursing recognizes nursing schools around the country for outstanding achievements. Among this year's winners was the Ohio State University College of Nursing, which was named the "Best Nursing College for Men."

"I really appreciate the efforts by the college to be male-friendly in a field of study where men are a minority," said Eric Smith, a second-year in the nursing program.

Jason Payne, a clinical instructor for the College of Nursing, nominated the college for the award. To be considered, Payne had to demonstrate how the school has increased and retained male students, among other criteria.
Statistics from the College of Nursing show that male enrollment has increased by nearly 50 percent since 2005.

"A great deal of the credit for the increase goes to our own [organization for men in nursing], Buckeye Assembly of Males in Nursing," said Sanford Meisel, director of marketing and communications for the College of Nursing.

The Buckeye Assembly of Males in Nursing was established in 2005 to mentor male nursing students. The organization hosts meetings and events that provide male students with the opportunity to network with other males in the field. The group is also an advocate for men's health issues.

"The fact that there are men on the faculty and student groups, such as the Buckeye Assembly for Men in Nursing, really helps to make me feel comfortable in a major dominated primarily by women," Smith said.

In addition to the Buckeye Assembly of Males in Nursing, other characteristics made OSU an ideal candidate for the title. The college offers many courses that highlight men's health issues, and males are well-represented in all of the college's marketing materials, Meisel said.

"In our current marketing efforts, the college attempts to include men in our brochures and other print pieces, on our Web site and any other media we produce," Meisel said. "Our language is always gender neutral or inclusive."

The college is also working to further improve appeal for male students by developing a mentoring program and a scholarship from the Buckeye Assembly of Males in Nursing.

Meisel said he hopes the college will apply for the award next year, but it cannot be confirmed that an application for the award will be submitted.