Anderson Bottomy, MSN, RN, has been elected to the board of directors of the American Association of Men in Nursing (AAMN).
Bottomy, a registered nurse in the Neurology/Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit at Vanderbilt University Hospital, was one of a record 18 candidates vying for seven open seats on the board. He was the only nonincumbent candidate elected.
“I am honored and excited to have been selected for this incredible opportunity,” Anderson said. “I look forward to representing the voice of front-line nurses at the AAMN Board of Directors’ table.”
Bottomy is also president-elect of the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the AAMN, which was recognized in 2024 as an official chapter. The group meets quarterly; for more information, email aamnmiddletn@gmail.com.
The AAMN’s mission, according to the organization, is “to shape the practice, education, research and leadership for men in nursing and advance men’s health.”
“The decision to appoint Anderson to the AAMN board acknowledges his long-standing investment in the advancement of nursing practice locally and regionally and in making the profession a desirable choice for all, including men,” said Robin Steaban, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, chief nursing officer for Vanderbilt University Hospital. “I am so proud of this next step and his choice to be a fully engaged and nationally influential Vanderbilt nurse.”
About 10% of VUMC’s nurses are male, and the Medical Center has long been a leader in recruiting and retaining male nurses. The AAMN has recognized VUMC four times with a Best Workplace for Men in Nursing award, most recently in October 2023. 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. Among Vanderbilt’s gender-inclusive policies is the parental leave policy that allows new fathers, in addition to mothers, to receive two weeks of paid parental leave. Nursing recruitment materials are inclusionary of males.
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 thrilled that Anderson has been elected to this prestigious national position, where he will help influence policy to promote gender diversity among our nurses,” said Executive Chief Nursing Officer Marilyn Dubree, MSN, RN, NE-BC, FAAN. “It is a pleasure to work with him and our men in nursing at Vanderbilt.”