Over 3 million nurses are currently employed in the United States. Of these, nearly 86% are female and only 14% are male nurses.
Since the early 70s, efforts have been made to increase the percentage of male nurses in the profession. In 1971, nurse Steve Miller, saw the need for an organization for men in nursing and started the new group in Michigan. Three years later, the group was reorganized as the National Male Nurses Association. At an annual meeting in 1981, to reflect their goals and membership, members proposed a name change to the American Assembly for Men in Nursing, and eventually to its current title — American Association of Men in Nursing (AAMN). Its mission was to shape the practice, education, research, and leadership for men in nursing and advance men's health, and diversity/inclusion/equity from the contributions of male nurses. AAMN has continued its mission through local chapters and volunteer officers and members.
Auburn University College of Nursing recently started a chapter of AAMN. The local chapter aims to provide a framework for nurses, as a group, to meet, to discuss and influence factors which affect men as nurses. They are designed to encourage awareness and attention to the goal and mission of the AAMN and increase national membership.
The objectives of the local chapter are to encourage men of all ages to become nurses and join together with all nurses in strengthening and humanizing health care. It is designed to support men who are nurses to grow professionally and demonstrate to each other and to society the increasing contributions being made by men within the nursing profession.
“The Auburn chapter, with 15 full-time active members and 3 faculty advisors, meets once a month,” said Spencer Gilland, president. “We participate in local community service projects, fundraising, raising awareness, and advocating for men in the nursing field and men’s health. We also create fun events to promote an inclusive and family-like community for AUCON. Last semester, we held a tailgate for the Auburn/Arkansas game as well as serving at our local food bank as a group.”
“We are excited about the chartering of our AAMN student chapter here at AUCON,” said Dr. Chris Martin, AAMN faculty advisor and assistant clinical professor. “AAMN’s values of stewardship, integrity, inclusion, empowerment, excellence, and innovation, run parallel to our mission at AUCON. This chapter will allow us yet another opportunity to develop future healthcare leaders while increasing diversity in nursing. While the organization exists to promote men in nursing and men’s health issues, ALL are welcome to join our ranks,” Martin added.
