Man to Man
High school guidance counselors are very important to all of us. So are youth pastors, karate instructors and swimming coaches because these are the guys that influence the lives of young men just as they are trying to figure out what to do with their lives.
In order to grow to their full potential, teenage boys need solid male role models to emulate. With the increasing number of boys growing up in fatherless homes, who they will choose for their heroes should be a major concern to all Americans.
Unfortunately, the get rich or die message is permeating teenage culture and the focus is consistently on me, me, me. Nursing, by its very nature, turns that notion on its head. What better example could a boy have than a male hybrid of strength, commitment and concern?
RNmen are that special breed. To them, it's not all about the money. It's more about charting your own course. Living life on your own terms. Doing what you signed up to do.
That said, men are so desperately needed in health care nationwide that RNmen can pretty much set their own hours, name their price and live wherever they want to live.
As a Registered Nurse, an avid surfer could move to the coast, choose the hospital night shift and spend his days from morning to sunset searching for that perfect wave. The suit-and-tie guy can pursue an advanced nursing degree then set off to climb the management ladder. RNmen fly helicopters, run businesses, scuba dive and save lives. They get involved in research, law and sports medicine. They are our advocates when we are at our most vulnerable. They help bring us into the world and they stand by us as we leave it.
In so many cases, men in their 30s and 40s choose nursing as a second or third career because they've seen what's out there and recognize the incredible benefits of the profession. Why can't we get this message across to young men just starting out?
Nursing is a great deal for men, but a man needs to hear that from another man. It's a guy thing.
To all you
RNmen out there:
Please get involved in the future.
Tell somebody what a cool job you have. Call a counselor and get on their career day schedule. Speak at a civic meeting or a youth group.
Who cares?
No nation on earth can remain strong without the underpinning of motivated young men committed to the high ideals of community service.
It's obvious that you care
or you wouldn't be a nurse.
