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About 12% of registered nurses are male in the United States . While it may not seem like much, the number of male nurses is triple what it was in 1970, just 2.7 percent.
With more male nurses entering the profession each year — and many accepting travel assignments — we asked several of our travelers what they enjoyed about their careers. Here’s their advice for those considering travel nursing:
Break down stereotypes
Kirk Rollan, a home health nurse, grew up in rural Pennsylvania and knew he wanted the chance to explore the country. He’s worked as a travel nurse for three years now and enjoys seeing new cities with his wife.
“Older nurses sometimes think you’re not as good as they are, and guys have been portrayed as rough or uncaring in the past. I sometimes get clients who don’t want to see me because I’m a male nurse,” Kirk shares. “I just be myself, and after the second visit, they’ve changed their minds. There’s no limitation as a male nurse. Doors are wide open to whatever you want to do.”
Read more about Kirk’s experiences travel nursing in this spotlight.
You cannot not communicate
ER nurse Robert Kiefer has only been working as a traveler for a few months, but he says the assignments have allowed him to open his eyes to different cultures and environments and a new way of thinking.
He recommends asking your recruiter lots of questions and connecting with other travel nurses on Facebook before taking your first job — and continuing to speak up once you’re there.
“I am continuously striving to improve my communication skills, both in my professional and personal life. Effective communication is key to any successful situation,” Robert says. “Communicate well, not only with your patients and patients’ families, but with other staff, managers and recruiters.”
Learn more about Robert in his travel nurse spotlight.
Organization is key
When ER nurse Mark Moon was in high school, he dreamed of becoming a travel nurse someday — and he’s finally making those dreams a reality. He won’t be traveling alone, either: He recently proposed to his girlfriend when she came to visit him on his assignment in Colorado.
Mark recommends keeping your goals in perspective, especially when you’re feeling homesick, and staying flexible when you’re working in a new environment.
“Being able to prioritize tasks and get them done in the most efficient way, while maintaining a safe environment, is very important,” Mark expresses. “My favorite thing about nursing is being able to help people when they’re not able to help themselves. This job can be so fulfilling, and knowing that I made a positive difference in someone’s life means everything!”
Meet Mark (and find out how he proposed to his fiance) in this nurse spotlight.
Learn more about the benefits of being a male nurse in the video below — and check out our open travel nursing jobs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rBEkKDc-2c
