by Matt Batcheldor
Vanderbilt University Medical Center has been recognized with the 2022 Best Workplace for Men in Nursing Award from the American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN).
This is the third award for VUMC; the first was given in 2019 and second in 2021. The AAMN is a professional organization that works to improve gender diversity and inclusion in nursing. VUMC received the award at the 47th annual AAMN Conference in Orlando, Florida, which was held from Oct. 20-22.
Criteria for the award included recruitment materials featuring men in nursing, strategic plans to increase gender diversity, historical evidence demonstrating an increase in the number of men in nursing and evidence of male nurse involvement. About 10% of Vanderbilt’s nurses are male.
Among Vanderbilt’s gender-inclusive policies is the parental leave policy that allows new fathers as well as mothers to receive two weeks of paid parental leave. Nursing recruitment materials are inclusionary of males.
“At Vanderbilt, we welcome men in nursing on all units and at all levels,” said Marilyn Dubree, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Executive Chief Nursing Officer. “From the bedside to the board room, male nurses are a critical element of our Strategic Direction to Make Diversity and Inclusion Intentional. They are exceptional providers that make us all proud. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement.”
A contingent of male nurses throughout VUMC prepared an application for the award, including Avni Cirpili, DNP, RN, Chief Nursing Officer of Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital.
“To say I am pleased at receiving this award would be an understatement,” Cirpili said. “I am so proud of the men in nursing that I work with every day, and I am so pleased that they are being recognized for their efforts.”
While acknowledging a stigma around men in the nursing profession globally, VUMC strives to make diversity in its workforce intentional and has long included men who are committed to providing quality, compassionate care for patients and families.
Making Diversity and Inclusion Intentional is one of VUMC’s three strategic directions, along with Design for Patients and Families, and Discover, Learn and Share. Increasing diversity in all aspects of the workforce benefits team performance and patient care.
Vanderbilt’s male nurses continue to be regularly recognized with institutional awards, including The DAISY Award, Five Pillar Leader Award and Credo Award. Male nurses hold leadership roles throughout the enterprise, including chairing or co-chairing dozens of unit boards.
“I am incredibly proud to stand with these men in nursing,” Dubree said. “Their diverse backgrounds not only help make Vanderbilt a preferred place to work, but they also improve care for our patients and families.”
