More nursing schools are actively recruiting men, who, in turn, are looking to nursing for economic stability and job security, according to the Daily Herald.
In 2015, men accounted for 13 percent of all registered nurses in the U.S., a significant increase from 2 percent in 1960, according to a Washington Center for Equitable Growth paper.
"Baby boomers are retiring, and there is a deep nursing shortage projected for the next 10 to 15 years," Jason Mott, RN, PhD, national secretary for the American Association for Men in Nursing, told the Daily Herald. "Because of the large aging population, the profession has started to look at ways to get men involved in nursing."
Addison, Ill.-based Chamberlain University exemplifies this trend. More than 12 percent of the university's nursing students are male, Jan Snow, PhD, RN, dean of Chamberlain College of Nursing's campus in Addison, Ill., told the Daily Herald. This year, the school launched a nursing bachelor's degree program available on evenings and weekends to accommodate men who are transitioning to nursing from a different career. Many men at the nursing school come from jobs as paramedics and firefighters, according to Dr. Snow.
The increase in male nurses relates to career fulfillment and economic stability, as well, Mr. Mott said. The median salary for nurses is about $70,000 and is expected to rise, the Daily Herald reports.
"You're seeing some of the traditionally male-dominated professions — plumbers and electricians — struggling now," Dr. Mott said. "There are a lot of guys looking for more job stability. Nursing offers that stability."
Editor's note: This article was updated Nov. 20 at 11:00 a.m.