A Change of Pace

I can't believe that it's almost three weeks since I've last updated my blog. I have no excuse for my absence except admit that I was too lazy to blog and that I've wasted most of my time playing Dragon Age: Origins.

I know, MLIA. That's "my life is average" for you people who aren't cool enough to know what MLIA is. I know that you were thinking that MLIA stands for "my life is awesome" because I'm pretty awesome myself but no, it stands for average because my life is average. I'm not really complaining because, believe it or not, I do love the way my life is right now... except that I want more money.

Speaking of shopping and school, I have already went scrub shopping. Scrubs are the clothes that health professionals wear in the hospital by the way. It was so hard to find scrubs for men but women had so many designs and sizes to choose from. It was a bit frustrating but I guess this just shows how men in nursing are underrepresented.

Having One of Those Days

I'm just being bitter right now because I don't like working too hard. I was just pondering upon how my life turned out to be this way. I guess I was young and stupid and I wanted to buy expensive, shiny things which I couldn't afford (well I could afford them but I won't have money left).

Support for Male Nurses: Three Ways to Make a Positive Difference

One thing is certain: male nurses often don’t get very much respect. Popular movies and comedy routines have poked fun at men who choose nursing as a profession. For some unspecified reason, we’re culturally committed to the idea that men should be doctors and women should be nurses.

Clearly, this attitude is outdated. In light of the current nurse shortage, we should be doing everything within our power to encourage motivated individuals to enter the nursing profession. Men who are considering nursing as a career could benefit from social resources and scholarships specifically tailored for their needs.

Positive change can start from within. Here are some ways that current male nursing students and practicing nurses can improve their work environment:

1. Join The American Assembly for Men In Nursing.

(http://aamn.org/)

Although this group is primarily focused on male nurses in the United States, the discussion forum and other resources could be useful for male nurses in Canada and the UK. Currently, only 3.1% of all nurses in the United States and Canada are men. Since male nurses are a minority group, they are less likely to find individuals at their workplace or educational institution who can directly relate to their unique perspectives. The American Assembly for Men In Nursing offers a forum for sharing these perspectives with other men.

Other than emotional support, the site also offers access to scholarships.

2. Start your own college club devoted to men in nursing.

Having an official club on campus will encourage more men to enter nursing as a profession. Undoubtedly, many men are intimidated by the prospect of being the only male in their graduating class. Knowing that there are other men in the program will go a long way to alleviate that concern. Also, having a presence on campus lends more credibility to you as a professional. If nothing else, creating a club gives you valuable leadership experience.