Attracting more men to nursing is part of the solution to the global nursing shortage, say academics.
“We urgently need more men in nursing,” is the clear message from a group of academics, including Patricia Davidson, Vice-Chancellor of Wollongong University and Professor Jason Fairly from John Hopkins University, writing in The Conversation.
The World Health Organization estimates that there is a need for a further nine million nurses worldwide by 2030. According to the International Council of Nurses, the figure is closer to 13 million.
“Part of the solution is to recruit and retain more men in nursing. This would help address workforce shortages and could, over time, reduce the industry gender pay gap as the existence of men in nursing becomes more normalised,” the academics say.
“As jobs dry up in traditionally male-focused industries – such as mining and manufacturing – work in health care should be attractive for men, providing job security and career opportunities.
“But attracting men to the profession won’t be without its challenges. It will require a serious society-wide rethink around gender roles, compensation and recognition for the importance of nursing work.”
The authors argue that robust healthcare systems should be representative of the populations they serve.
“The workforce in any industry should be drawn from a range of perspectives, including gender and culture.”