Men's experience on SWAP Access to Nursing

9.1% of nurses on the Nursing & Midwifery Council Register in Scotland identified as men in 2024, lower than the UK average of 11.1%. These figures have hardly shifted in the past 20 years and the situation “remains stubbornly in stasis” (Forrest, 2023: 234).

SWAP’s figures show similarly persistent low recruitment with an average of only 8.1% of Access to Nursing students identifying as men. 

These low numbers can cause challenges for men on Nursing access programmes and university degrees. Isolation from being one of only a small handful of men on a programme can impact morale and integration. Research has found that female students commonly form “cliques” and social groups, from which male students can feel excluded (NES, 2019: 20). One SWAP student also reported his partner being initially uncomfortable with him spending time around so many women. 

Men do well on Access to Nursing programmes

However, SWAP figures suggest that, while these and other challenges are encountered by male Nursing students, they do not significantly impact retention or achievement rates. On average, male SWAP Nursing students are either in line with the rest of their cohort, or achieving slightly better results. 

One of our former SWAP students even went on to be named Scotland's Nursing Student of the Year. 

Full Story Here.

These figures suggest that the gender disparity in Nursing is not primarily due to on-programme factors but instead are being embedded at the recruitment stages. Simply put, not enough men are enrolling on Nursing degree programmes or Nursing access programmes in the first place.

Three former SWAP students have agreed to share their experiences – both positive and negative – to help shed light on what studying, and a career in, Nursing is actually like for men in the hopes that more men will consider moving into the field.

The reality of Nursing as a man

“I wanted to help my community as I know firsthand how hard it is to feel better from mental illness, especially with all the stigma attached to it.” (Student B)

One of the biggest obstacles for male nursing students is a limited pool of learning opportunities. Some female patients will choose not to have male nursing students in the room, and this can reduce opportunities to observe or practise common procedures like removing and inserting catheters (NES, 2019). One of our former students acknowledged this, but also recognised that the preference for wanting a nurse of your own gender can work both ways:

“There are the odd occasions where you may find that a female patient doesn’t want a male nurse, especially for intimate procedures, but this is only human nature - you have to respect people’s wishes, especially when delivering patient-centred care. On the flip side, it is nice that a male patient can feel more comfortable with a male nurse and you can offer them this choice. You may find that they even open up to you and are more honest about their situation, helping you to identify underlying concerns you can help with – there are two sides to every story.” (Student A)

There is a widespread societal assumption that caring is a female role, and that Nursing by extension is a “feminine occupation” and this suggestion has often been perpetuated by professionals within Nursing as well as those outside it (Forrest, 2023: 234). 

“A good friend of mine was told by the interviewer (a nurse) that he wasn’t suitable as "it wasn’t a job for a man.” Now, he’s thriving in his career in the mental health field.” (Student B)

A few older patients have suggested it wasn’t a job for a man, but the quality of care they received always won them over!” (Student B)

A few of the nurses I’ve worked with have said we need more men in the profession. They have been so supportive, kind and welcoming” (Student C) 

“I was aware of the social stigma, but the reality for me has been far less impactful than I imagined. There has definitely been more praise and positivity towards my career change than negativity.” (Student A)

Within teams, male nurses can sometimes be expected to take the lead in situations that require physical strength, e.g. lifting or moving patients, or in cases of violence or threat (NES, 2019). One SWAP student interviewed saw this less as a limitation put on male nurses, and more as an example of why men are necessary in the nursing profession.

“I have also been in situations where difficult/behavioural patients can take advantage of female nursing staff and a male presence can calm situations. The role of the male nurse is a vital one.” (Student A)

Advice to men thinking about moving into Nursing

1. Don’t forget to make friends

Men have been shown to be less likely to seek out peer support (NES 2019), but these students told us that the relationships they’d formed on the SWAP programme have continued to support them through university and beyond.

“While I didn’t go to college to make friends, I left with 3 people who I can call friends. We are all in our 30s and have the same attitude towards our studies” (Student C)

"I made a connection with people both younger and older than me that continued into university, and now into our nursing careers.” (Student A)

2. Standing out can be a good thing

You are conspicuous as a male nurse; you only make up 10% of the workforce and you might be one of just two or three nurses in your access programme. But this can have its own advantages.

“It can be difficult working in a team as the only male. One advantage, in my opinion, is that everyone – patients and the wider medical team – know who you are a lot quicker and you can gain recognition a lot faster. This has been very relevant in my case and has aided my quick progression to promotion. (Student A)

“Of course, some people view me differently because I work as a nurse, but I’ve learned to turn that to my advantage!” (Student B)

3. Nursing is an exciting and rewarding career

What these students really wanted to highlight was how much they are enjoying the work or placements they do, and how varied and rewarding the career can be.

“I am currently working as an anaesthetic practitioner, and I truly love my job. I have the opportunity to work closely with amazing doctors who are always happy to share their knowledge. My advice to men considering a career in nursing is: go for it! It’s a highly fulfilling profession with many opportunities.” (Student B)

“I would also like to highlight the vast opportunities that are available within nursing – it’s not all about bedside nursing in a hospital – you can choose to specialise in a specific field, you can work in the community in people’s homes or in care homes, and you can even go into research and public health nursing roles where you can help shape the future of healthcare.” (Student A)   

Are you interested in becoming a nurse? 

Check out our Access to Nursing programmes.

Forrest, B. (2023) ‘Men in nursing: smoke and mirrors’, British Journal of Nursing, 32(5), p. 234. 

NES (2019) ‘Men on pre-registration programmes of nursing in Scotland: an exploration of reasons for attrition and possible ways of improving retention’

NMC (2024) ‘The NMC Register: 1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024’

NMC (2024) ‘The NMC register Scotland mid-year update: 1 April – 30 September 2024’