When someone mentions that males should be nurses as well, you might be a little skeptical. After all, you’d probably scoff at the bizarre sight of a strong man gently comforting patients in the ward. But don’t be mistaken, as male nurses are actively sought after by careseekers from various health facilities, including from CaregiverAsia itself.
So why should you, as a guy, consider being a nurse in the first place? Well, there are a variety of great reasons to don the uniform. Here are five such reasons to win you over if you’re on the fence on signing up.
1. Defying The Stereotype
It should probably come as no surprise when women make up the majority of local nurses in Singapore. After all, the nursing career has always been stereotyped as a female-dominated profession since it’s inception.
However, according to this recent news article by The New Paper, there has been a steady increase of students applying to study nursing at NUS, with a spike of 2,200 applicants this year compared to 1,730 last two years ago. This could be attributed to the shifting public opinion of nurses being an exclusive position for females, with many male students looking past the traditional feminine stereotype and instead noticing the job as a worthwhile opportunity.
2. Meeting Patient Preferences
Guys, you might be embarrassed in sharing your medical condition to someone of the opposite sex. Should you find yourself turning bright red at that thought, then what about the idea of divulging that sensitive information to a female nurse who needs to know about it?
As much as medical staff are trained professionally to handle such scenarios, some men just aren’t ready to confess their private afflictions to a female nurse. A recent Channel NewsAsia interview, however, has shown that male patients suffering from sexually transmitted diseases or skin conditions at the genital area would be more willing to confide their private issues to a male nurse instead.
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3. Fulfilling Niche Roles
While almost any medical role in the hospital can be done by nurses of either gender, the men are usually more favored in frontline positions. Operation theaters, critical care units and emergency rooms are common areas where patients can encounter male nurses in the thick of things.
Many hospital staff believe that male nurses are generally more direct in their approach towards the patients, making them suitable in dealing with such hectic situations, compared to their female counterparts who prefer a more compassionate stance. A recent TODAY article also favours this mindset, with a spokesperson from the National Healthcare Group stating on how male nurses are useful in dealing with elderly patients suffering from mobility issues and require physical lifting.
4. Career Stability & Prospects
For male breadwinners looking for a stable career in Singapore, a nursing career offers a relatively safe option as the healthcare sector is constantly under pressure to meet the ever-rising needs of an ageing population. Interested jobseekers would be glad to know that almost 10,000 healthcare workers are needed in eldercare alone.
There are plenty of opportunities for a male nurse to advance as well. A Straits Times interview with the Ministry of Health chief nursing officer Tan Soh Chin has highlighted a variety of opportunities available for nurses in Singapore, including career advancement as well as skill upgrading and specialization, to keep them relevant in today’s context.
5. Going The Extra Mile
Most male nurses wouldn’t quote the high salary or the additional courses as their main motivation for staying on the job. Instead, you’ll find them fondly expressing on the feeling of purpose when they’re thanked and appreciated by their patients.
In fact, many male nurses have voluntarily gone above their usual duties to create comfort for those under their care. From singing, playing games to even learning a new skill like hairdressing, you’ll not be spending the hours away by simple administration matters, but also by lending a listening ear and trying to help your patients in any way possible. It’ll all be worth it when they’re gratefully back on their feet.
Did these reasons help you change your mind about working as a male nurse? If you love interacting with people, helping out where you can, and simply looking to make a difference in someone’s life for the better, then there’s no harm in trying out the job. It might be something that you’ll grow to love as well.
Can’t commit to a full-time schedule in the hospital ward? Maybe freelance nursing is more to your liking. If you’re licensed and rearing to go, we at CaregiverAsia are more than happy to help!
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