The current president of the American Nursing Association (ANA), Ernest Grant, is the first male nurse to fill the role. He believes diversity in nursing is essential for patients.
He states in American Nurse Today,
“It’s important that the nursing workforce reflects the diversity of our patient populations to increase our ability to provide the culturally competent, quality care patients need, especially when they are most vulnerable. Welcoming people from diverse backgrounds into our profession with their unique perspectives and experiences will only strengthen it.“
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 406,923 men were in nursing in 2022. By specialty, 12.1% of registered nurses (RNs), 11.3% of nurse practitioners, 10% of nursing assistants, and 11.1% of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses were men.
The BLS projects that employment in health care occupations will grow 13% through 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations, with RN listed as one of the top seven occupations expected to add the most new jobs through 2031.
For more information on the need for gender diversity in the nursing profession, please refer to these articles:
The Importance of Male Representation in Nursing
The Nursing Workforce Needs More Men
Men in Nursing: More Demand and More Opportunity
Improving Men’s Health by Battling Stereotypes
