Male Nurse Guide: Answering Questions and Myths

Nursing is an impactful field, complete with opportunities for personal growth and career satisfaction — not to mention the chance to make a difference in patients’ lives. For far too long, however, nursing has been surrounded by misconceptions. These relate to who can (or should) enter the field and whether different types of individuals are well-suited to nursing. Often harmful, these stereotypes could prevent potentially talented nurses from pursuing their passion.

One of these problematic assumptions? The misconception that nursing is a strictly female field. This is far from true. Regardless of gender identity, nursing is a welcoming field worth pursuing for passionate, caring individuals.

Many accomplished nurses are men — and many women never enter nursing, instead opting for other pursuits within the healthcare sector. In this diverse industry, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving career success.

If you are interested in working as a male nurse but wonder whether gender stereotypes would influence your professional experience, you can rest assured that stereotypes about gender in the nursing profession are beginning to subside, with both patients and aspiring nurses recognizing that all types of nurses provide valuable contributions. Read on to learn why male nurses are critical to the nursing field and what it takes to overcome gender stereotypes.

Can Men Be Nurses?

Simply put, yes, men can be nurses — yet some patients never get the chance to work with male nurses. With sufficient training and proper licensure, anybody can be a nurse, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. This means that there is a place in nursing for men, who can thrive as licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), or nurse practitioners (NPs).

For well over a century, the nursing profession has welcomed hardworking individuals from numerous backgrounds and demographic groups, including both men and women. This is still true, and as the unfortunate stigma surrounding male nurses fades, men are increasingly gravitating toward this promising profession.

What Percentage of Nurses Are Male?

The prominence of male nurses varies greatly between specialties and levels of nursing. In general, though, men tend to comprise around 10% of the nursing workforce. This is verified by results from the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey, which revealed an uptick in the percentage of males in registered nursing: 11% in 2022 compared to 8% in 2015. Survey results suggest that the “same pattern holds true for the proportion of men in the LPN/LVN workforce.”

Men are now seen more frequently in nursing, but they remain underrepresented. This is also true of higher-level nursing roles; for example, data from KFF (previously known as the Kaiser Family Foundation) reveals that, as of September 2024, there were 229,335 female NPs and just 27,928 male NPs in the United States. There are some geographic differences, however: In Utah and Idaho, male NPs make up nearly one-fifth of the workforce.

Are Male Nurses Respected?

Male nurses command a great deal of respect, as do nurses from all backgrounds. After all, as the American Nurses Association (ANA) points out, nurses are “no longer viewed as subordinate roles to physicians or medical specialists.” Rather, nurses (including men) are regarded as an integral part of the modern healthcare environment.

In addition to enjoying the general respect and esteem held across the vast scope of modern nursing, male nurses may receive an extra boost simply because they are willing to buck the trend. Employers recognize that male nurses are genuinely passionate about their work and willing to pursue their goals regardless of what others think or expect.

History of Male Nursing and Healthcare

Healthcare and healing were once regarded as primarily male-dominated pursuits, although some women were involved in healing in ancient and indigenous societies. By the medieval period, however, women in the Western world were largely excluded from medical training — a trend that continued as aspiring medical professionals began to seek training through universities during the Renaissance.

While some women were able to find work as midwives, it was not until the rise of nursing in the 1800s that they gained widespread respect in the medical field. The formalization of nursing is largely credited to Florence Nightingale, who advocated for formal training. By the early 20th century, this growing field was regarded as an extension of women’s caregiving and viewed as one of few ways for women to gain employment.

Men were not formally excluded from nursing, but they tended to gravitate toward other healthcare opportunities simply because the nursing field was perceived as female-oriented. The demand for male nurses increased substantially during both World Wars, however, with many male nurses serving in military settings during this time.

As the role of nurses began to evolve (including a push toward more demanding clinical practices and more formalized training), this field was no longer viewed exclusively in the context of caregiving. This shift in perception occurred alongside an overall push for gender equality within the healthcare sector. Through the years, the percentage of men in nursing has slowly but steadily increased.

Who Was the First Male Nurse?

Because men have been involved in the nursing profession for quite some time (and have never technically been barred from nursing), it is difficult to distinguish a specific individual who led the charge in male nursing. However, several pioneers offer inspiration, including, most interestingly, famous poet Walt Whitman. Serving as a nurse during the Civil War, Whitman felt that his time among the suffering taught him “the most profound lesson of [his] life.”

Another influential name in male nursing is Hector Hugo Gonzalez. Following several years in nursing school, which culminated in several nursing degrees, Gonzalez served with the U.S. Army Nursing Corps. He was also a force for change in nursing education. In addition, Joe Hogan made a world of difference, expanding training opportunities for male nurses when he filed a lawsuit because he was denied admission to a nursing program on the basis of his gender.

Are Male Nurses in Demand?

There is a high demand for nurses of all types and from all backgrounds, with today’s employers especially eager to hire advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). As the value of diversity in nursing receives greater recognition, it is clear that the demand for male nurses is just as strong.

Because men remain underrepresented in nursing, there is currently a significant push to attract male nurses to the profession. This effort is backed by a wealth of research that demonstrates improved patient care when the healthcare workforce encompasses a variety of genders and ethnicities.

Do Male Nurses Get Paid More?

In nursing (and as in many fields), male professionals appear to have an edge when it comes to wages, with nursing maintaining a notable gender pay gap. Insights from the Health Affairs Scholar journal suggest that female nurses (specifically RNs) earn approximately 82% of male RNs’ wages, although the nursing wage gap is modest compared to differences in earnings among physicians or for other healthcare “occupations that require higher levels of education.”

Along with earning more substantial wages on average, there is some indication that men may be overrepresented in the highest-paid healthcare specialties and that, despite efforts to enhance equity across the field, male nurses may find it easier to score promotions than their female counterparts. Experts in Health Affairs Scholar refer to this phenomenon as the “glass escalator,” suggesting that male nurses are “more likely to be promoted compared with their women peers.”

While efforts to improve equity in nursing (and throughout the healthcare sector) remain essential, there is no denying that opportunities abound for passionate male nurses. Many value stability and wage growth but are especially excited about their ability to bring a unique perspective to the nursing field — all while ensuring that many types of patients have the chance to develop authentic connections with nursing staff.

How to Become a Male Nurse

If you feel drawn to the nursing profession and want to get a solid start as a male nurse, get ready for an exciting but challenging journey that includes nursing school, clinical experience, and lifelong learning. Do your research to determine why you want to enter nursing and how you hope you’ll make a difference in this field. From there, you should be ready to move forward with a process that includes these key steps:

Earn Your Nursing Degree

All nurses require career-driven coursework, which helps them develop clinical skills and a general understanding of the healthcare system. Many nursing degrees are available that provide comprehensive preparation for various levels of nursing.

Before you select a program, consider what you hope to accomplish as a nurse and which skills you will need to gain along the way. If you want to make your mark as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), for example, you can pursue your nursing diploma. This provides a solid introduction to the nursing profession, allowing you to enter the field following one short year of study.

Interested in becoming a registered nurse? You will need to earn your associate degree in nursing (ADN). You can continue to expand your nursing skill set and understanding of evidence-based practice by pursuing your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Pass the NCLEX

If you want to work as an RN, you will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), a rigorous but important exam that verifies your nursing knowledge and competence. While your ADN or BSN program should provide plenty of preparation, you will also need to study on your own. Make the most of available guides and other practice resources.

Get a Nursing License

Equipped with the right degree and strong test results, you should be fully prepared to secure your nursing license. This process can vary between states, though many nurses take advantage of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This allows nurses to maintain a single, multi-state license while practicing in multiple states.

No matter your preferred approach to getting licensed, you will need to ensure that your state board of nursing receives necessary documentation. Those new to nursing typically pursue licensure by examination, although licensure by endorsement may be available if moving to a new state.

Find a Nursing Job

Your first job in nursing can shape your entire career path, so choose carefully. When possible, aim for a role that reflects your preferred specialty or patient population — or at least provides exposure to your ideal niche via networking and other opportunities.

It is also crucial to find a job that aligns with your values and philosophy of nursing, as this will ultimately prove more rewarding. Take a close look at job requirements and verify that you have the necessary education and experience before applying.

Start Your Journey in Nursing Today

No matter your background or gender, you can make a difference as a nurse. First, however, you will need the proper training. Look to Bryant & Stratton College for support as you begin this exciting journey.

Offering several nursing programs that reflect the wonderful diversity of this field, we are eager to equip students with the comprehensive skills needed to thrive as LPNs or RNs — or to explore specializations and advance in this dynamic field. Get in touch today to learn about our nursing diploma, ADN degrees, and our RN to BSN program, and our other nursing opportunities.