A recent Bureau of Labor Statistics study predicts that 193,000 nurse positions will open annually until 2032, but only 177,000 will be filled. A shortage this severe poses a threat to the healthcare system. One nursing school administrator wrote an opinion piece speculating on whether gender bias may be playing a role in creating the disparity. The author believes that persistent stereotypes of nursing as a “woman's” profession keep men from entering the field.

Are you a male nurse facing license discipline? Do you believe you are being treated differently because you are a man? Subconscious or implicit bias can exist in any profession, including nursing boards. The misconception that men don't belong in the profession can influence nursing board decisions without board members even realizing it. Call the Professional License Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or contact us online today.

Men Can be Good Nurses, Too

The skills and attributes required to be a competent nurse are not unique to a specific gender. Anyone who is compassionate, attentive to detail, committed to helping people, and functions well in team environments has what it takes to be an effective nurse. However, decades of popular television shows, movies, and fiction books depicting every nurse as female have helped to create a perception among men and women that nursing is women's work.

That can create a problem for licensed male nurses and male nursing students. One area where this problem can manifest itself is in evaluating the performance of male nurses or nursing students. Investigating the conduct of male nurses accused of misconduct is another area where preconceived notions about the capabilities of male nurses can improperly influence decisions in nursing board license-related matters.

Some Nursing Board Members Have Antiquated Mindsets

The fact that state nursing boards provide oversight of nurse behavior requires nursing board members and investigatory panels to be experienced in the field. Unfortunately, that also means many of them came into the profession when the perception of gender roles in the healthcare field was limited. The subconscious belief that you are inherently inferior as a caregiver because of your gender could negatively influence a nursing board decision and cost you your license.

Remember, it only takes a single vote one way or the other to influence a board decision. Most nursing board disciplinary committees are made up of less than five people. Nursing board investigators have wide-ranging discretion in deciding whether your case merits further discipline. That means just one of them being predisposed to believe you don't belong in the nursing field could be the difference in losing your license.

You Have Due Process Rights Regardless of Your Gender

Licensed nurses have the right to due process in any nursing board investigation, application process, or disciplinary action. Part of those due process rights include a decision-making process free of biases. Unfortunately, that doesn't always happen. One way you can help to ensure your rights are fully respected is to contact the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or contact us online as soon as you find out about the investigation.