Among the 18 nursing students graduating May 15 from the University
of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing, West Nebraska Division in
Scottsbluff, are five men. In increasing numbers, men are choosing nursing
professions.
One of the five graduating is Sean Shirley of Gering.
Shirley tried working heavy construction and preparing meals for residents
at a nursing home. He found, however, that nursing was more to his liking.
When he graduated from Gering High School in 1998, he wasnt sure what
to do with his life. He tried several jobs, but was drawn to nursing. His
mother is a nurse and he worked as an aide in a nursing home for two years.
I found that $6 an hour does not go far. I needed to get back to school
and do something with myself, Shirley said.
With his decision to become a nurse came the realization that his study
program must be flexible. At age 24, Shirley now had a wife and two children.
Family must come first.
A 1988 graduate of Gering High School, Shirley first completed his prerequisites
at Western Nebraska Community College. He then enrolled in the UNMC College
of Nursing, West Nebraska Division seeking a bachelors degree in nursing.
Fulfilling his dream wouldnt require relocating his family.
Still, his educational journey hasnt been easy. He had to juggle responsibilities
at home while trying to maintain a high grade-point average. He worked
part-time; his wife worked full-time.
Its been extremely hard the last five years, but its been the most
fulfilling thing I have ever done, Shirley said. I owe my wife a lot
of credit.
Shirley said he hasnt regretted his decision to become a nurse, which
some might consider still to be a womans profession. I never viewed it
any other way than the right choice for me. I want to keep furthering my
education.
Shirley recently applied for a commission in the U.S. Army. Hed like
to work in the Army Nurse Corps, and become a certified registered nurse
anesthetist.
Men are recognizing that nursing provides them with a career which
pays well and will always be in demand, said Gloria Gross, Ph.D., assistant
dean of the UNMC College of Nursing West Nebraska Division. They also
realize they can choose from dozens of occupations, ranging from care of
patients in a hospital, to home care and care of the elderly in a variety
of settings.
“If they are inclined to technology, there is a wide open field in the
area of nursing informatics, Dr. Gross said. Advanced practice
opportunities appeal to many.
Other male graduates include: Ron Brown of Alliance; Dain Weiss of Grant,
Brian Cooley of New Castle, Wyo.; and Patrick Roach of Omaha.
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the state.
Through its commitment to research, education and patient care, UNMC has
established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for cancer research
and treatment and solid organ transplantation. More than $34 million
in research grants and contracts are awarded to UNMC scientists annually.
In addition, UNMC’s educational programs are responsible for training more
health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution.