Male nurses make up about 12% of total nurses, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In the last 10 years alone, the percentage of male nurses has increased by more than 59%. Male Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) increased by 112%, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) by 108%, and Registered Nurses (RNs) by 51%. While this growth is encouraging, healthcare organizations continue to prioritize gender diversity in nursing. Industry leaders are actively implementing recruitment strategies, mentorship programs, and educational initiatives to further increase male representation in this vital profession, aiming to strengthen the nursing workforce through greater diversity.
We are excited to spotlight our amazing male Practical Nursing (PN) students in the series “Strength in Scrubs: Men in Nursing”
Meet Bryan Guerra, a dedicated nursing student at SRTC-Tifton whose Mexican heritage and fluency in Spanish enhance his ability to provide compassionate care. His bilingual skills represent a valuable asset in healthcare, where clear communication across language barriers can significantly improve patient outcomes and experiences.
When asked what inspired him to enroll in SRTC’s PN program, Bryan credits the influence of a friend who had previously completed the program. "She would tell me about her experience, and it intrigued me," he explains. "She described it as a good pathway to start my nursing career."
Bryan has clear aspirations for where his nursing career will take him. "After I graduate from the PN program, I want to pursue a career as an ER nurse," he shares. But his ambitions don't stop there: "The end goal of my nursing career is to work at a Level 1 trauma center in a big city as a trauma nurse."
His interest in emergency and trauma care highlights the diverse and dynamic career options available in nursing, including high-intensity specialties that may appeal particularly to those seeking challenging and fast-paced environments.
When reflecting on what he enjoys most about the program, Bryan emphasizes the social bonds formed with his classmates. "What I enjoy the most within the PN program is the social connections I made. We are a class of 20 students, and all together we have built a tight-knit relationship with one another."
Bryan offers encouraging advice for other men considering nursing as a profession: "Nursing is a female-dominated profession, but male nurses are becoming more common and valued. Don't let gender stereotypes discourage you. Male nurses bring unique perspectives and strengths to the profession."
His words serve as an important reminder that diversity in nursing benefits both the profession and patients, with each individual bringing their own valuable contributions to healthcare.
Did you know that SRTC offers a Non-Traditional Student Scholarship for students who are enrolled in a program where their gender is underrepresented?
To find out if your course of study qualifies, or to learn more about nontraditional career fields, click here chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://southernregional.edu/uploads/files/dc/9b/dc9b4135fb48e802d7abf9546306acfb.pdf
Southern Regional Technical College offers over 150 degree, diploma, and certificate programs that are designed to get students quickly into their desired careers, and 28 general education courses that transfer to the University System of Georgia institutions and 19 private colleges and universities in Georgia. SRTC has instructional sites located in eleven counties across Southwest Georgia for the convenience of its students. The College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. For the most up-to-date information on registration, class dates, and program offerings, interested individuals can log on to www.southernregional.edu or call (888) 205 – 3449.
Summer semester begins May 19. Don't wait, enroll today!