England’s most senior nurse is urging young men receiving their exam results today to think again about a career in nursing – and not be swayed by old-fashioned stereotypes.
Duncan Burton, who last year became the first man appointed Chief Nursing Officer for England, says the profession offers “incredibly rewarding” opportunities for men as well as women.
New figures show the scale of the gender gap: just under 47,300 male nurses and health visitors work in the NHS compared to nearly 321,200 women – meaning only one in eight are men.
Mr Burton’s appeal comes just days after a new Graduate Guarantee, which promises thousands of jobs for newly-qualified nurses and midwives. The scheme ensures there will be enough positions available for every new recruit this year.
Students still weighing up their options in UCAS clearing are also being urged to look at healthcare degrees – with 300 NHS careers available, from nursing and midwifery to roles as allied health professionals such as occupational therapists, radiographers and podiatrists. For those not choosing a traditional university route, there are health and social care apprenticeships and jobs as healthcare support workers.
Mr Burton said:
“I’d like to congratulate everyone getting exam results today and would encourage anyone considering their next steps to consider a healthcare degree.
“I’ve been a nurse for 27 years and it’s been incredibly rewarding. I became a nurse because I wanted to help people and provide the very best care, and I still love being a nurse.
“Our workforce should represent the communities we serve, and diverse teams with different perspectives deliver better patient care.
“I’d encourage all students thinking about nursing to take the next step and for any men getting their results today not to be put off by outdated stereotypes. Nursing offers opportunities for people from all backgrounds.”
Under a new 10 Year Health Plan, student nurses will also see extra support, with faster reimbursement of travel expenses and quicker confirmation of course completion so they can get to work sooner.
Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock said:
“Today marks an exciting milestone for thousands of young people across the country as they receive their results, and many will be considering a rewarding career in health and social care.
“We’ve listened carefully to the concerns of students, and we’re taking action. Through our 10 Year Health Plan, we’re breaking down barriers by expanding apprenticeship opportunities and widening routes into nursing and midwifery.
“The NHS is undergoing the most significant transformation since its creation, and we need passionate, dedicated people to be part of that journey. You represent the future of our health service and will be at the forefront of building an NHS that’s fit for the future.”
One family who know the value of nursing first-hand are father and son duo Peter and Connor McKiernan, who both work at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
After completing nursing degrees at the University of Central Lancashire within six years of each other, they began their careers side-by-side in the emergency department.
Peter, 56, from Kirkham, now an Advanced Clinical Practitioner, said:
“When I first started at the Vic I was the only male nurse in the emergency department. It was a big cultural change from my previous careers in car sales and the army.
“I’ve made some great friends over the years, though, and feel valued by a profession that’s allowed me to make considerable progress. Whatever level I’ve worked at, the ethos of helping and advocating for others is still the main reason I do this job.
“I like to think male nurses challenge the stereotype of what it means to be a strong man by showing the differences mental strength and resilience can make instead of focusing on physical strength.
“Every nurse brings different qualities to the profession. Patients come from all walks of life and so it’s important that the workforce that treats them reflects this.”
His son Connor, 29, from Lytham, was inspired to go into nursing after helping at the scene of a car crash on the way to an interview for an architecture degree.
Now a Clinical Improvement Lead, he said:
“It was a moment that set me in a completely new direction and I started to look into potential healthcare professions. I decided on a career in nursing and have never looked back.
“I’ve been to careers events in schools and think it’s important to show boys that anyone can become a nurse and gender isn’t an issue. Showing that men make great nurses and other allied health professionals, whether that’s through events, campaigns, on TV or through social media, is a great way of breaking down stereotypes.”
Find out more information about careers in the NHS here.
Main Image for illustration purposes only.
