by Matt Batcheldor
Vanderbilt University Medical Center has been recognized with the 2021 Best Workplace for Men in Nursing Award from the American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN).
This is the second award for VUMC; the first was given in 2019. The AAMN is a professional organization that works to improve gender diversity and inclusion in nursing.
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.
“In my time at VUMC I have seen us welcome men into nursing on all units and at all levels,” said Marilyn Dubree, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Executive Chief Nursing Officer.
“From our nurses at the bedside to our Chief Nursing Officer of Vanderbilt Behavioral Health — Avni Cirpili, DNP, RN —our male nurses promote safe and quality patient care across the enterprise. I offer my heartfelt thanks and congratulations on this achievement.”
While acknowledging a stigma around men in the nursing profession globally, VUMC strives to make diversity in its workforce intentional and has 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 our 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. “They are exceptional individuals who bring diverse perspectives and help make Vanderbilt a preferred place to work.”
