The Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON) received the American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN)’s 2022 Best Schools for Men in Nursing Award. The purpose of the award is to recognize nursing institutions that provide significant efforts in recruiting and retaining men in nursing, in providing men a supportive educational environment, and in educating faculty, students and the community about the contributions men have and do make to the nursing profession.

“Men in the U.S. are facing health challenges and disparities,” said Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, PhD, MPH, LCSW, RN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, dean, Duke School of Nursing, vice chancellor, nursing affairs, Duke University, and AAMN at-large board of director member. “It is important that nurses receive training for the unique needs associated with men’s health.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, despite the advancement of science, public health and health care, the health status of racial and ethnic minority men continues to lag behind the general population.

 “Data suggests that men forgo health care at rates that are higher than their female counterparts. Male life expectancy is lower relative to women, and certain chronic conditions are more common in men,” said Ramos. “Mental health is also a particularly neglected area, as male suicide mortality rates are substantially higher than female suicide mortality rates.”

Men in Nursing at DUSON

At DUSON, the focus is not just on men in nursing, but also men’s health. The School offers courses and specialties that include men’s health as part of its curriculum as well as community health for underrepresented populations, veteran’s health care, and diversity in the nursing environment. The School’s academic programs specifically cover human sexuality as it pertains to men, focusing on men’s sexuality, and prostate and testicular health.

In addition, the School continues to see an increase in men enrolling with a significant jump from 118 in 2020 to 133 in 2022. The School currently has 19 male faculty and 28 male staff members, with several men in leadership roles. Having male faculty and staff offers an opportunity for male students to have greater access to male guidance and mentoring.

In addition to mentoring opportunities, the Duke American Association for Men in Nursing (DAAMN) chapter, a student-run group with male and female members who collaborate to promote the presence of men in the nursing workforce, also provide opportunities for Duke Community members to get involved in expanding the importance of men in nursing.

The chapter hosts monthly socials as well as community service opportunities. They hosted their bi-annual Blood Drive this fall, which collected enough blood products to help more than 60 individuals. It also worked with a Durham Boy Scout of America Troup to assist the scouts with their badge requirements for First Aid and CPR training.

 

In addition to giving back to the community, the Duke chapter also provides sessions for future nursing leaders by hosting alumni panel discussions. The alumni panel discussions provide graduating students an opportunity to hear from DUSON alumni to prepare for the transition into practice. The chapter also provides support to admitted students by hosting Zoom calls with upper class students.

“As faculty advisors, we are so unbelievably proud of our students who lead DAAMN,” said Benjamin Smallheer, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, CCRN, CNE, associate professor.

DAAMN faculty leads, Smallheer, Stephanie Gedzyk-Nieman, DNP, MSN, RNC-MNN, assistant professor, and Allen Cadavero, PhD, RN, CCRN, assistant professor, credit the student group with fostering important partnerships.

“They have fostered both Durham and DUSON community involvement via partnerships with other DUSON student groups and community organizations,” said Gedzyk-Nieman. “All while managing rigorous nursing programs.”

“These are truly the leaders of tomorrow,” said Cadavero.