For men in nursing

This past year, I had the wonderful opportunity to collaborate with the book-publishing editorial team at the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) and male nurse leaders across the country to produce my just-released book, Man Up! A Practical Guide for Men in Nursing. When STTI approached me last year to oversee this work, I was thrilled, because it meant I would have the chance to collaborate with fabulous male nurse leaders nationwide.

A must-read for anyone seeking to navigate the exciting maze of the nursing profession, we tackle issues in this book that range from choosing a specialty to implementing diversity and administrative leadership—in both academic and service settings—and provide step-by-step strategies for maximizing the endless opportunities our noble profession has to offer. Each chapter will inspire you and your colleagues to break unhealthy traditions to forge new pathways that benefit nurses, here and abroad.

I dedicated this book to my grandmother, who exemplified courage and leadership, and if she were living today, she would be proud of this accomplishment. As my grandmother inspired me, I hope my book will inspire men to consider leadership in both academic and service settings, as well as in national nursing organizations where, still to date, we are poorly represented. Choosing a career in nursing opened doors for me, but even after gaining entrance, I observed institutional “glass ceilings” that benefit a few, but not the many. I hope this book will keep the issue of equity for men in nursing “front page news.”

I am so proud to have led this extraordinary effort, and I encourage you to spread the word about Man Up! A Practical Guide for Men in Nursing—to students, clinicians, administrators, academicians and your families.

For Reflections on Nursing Leadership (RNL), published by the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International.

Sometimes, we just need to chill!

Do you find yourself spinning sometimes on that never-ending spinning wheel? I’m guessing your answer is yes. Every one of us, whether we work in academia or the clinical arena, finds ourselves often simply overwhelmed by work overload. The demands of our profession exceed our capacity to manage work-related stressors. It is amazing how many of us fail to realize the high cost of not taking care of ourselves and, conversely, that the investment we make in our mental and physical health yields rich dividends.

The recent loss of a colleague reminded me just how important it is for us to invest in our mental and physical health. We are no good to anyone if we cannot take care of ourselves. It is incumbent upon us to refresh ourselves through activities that rejuvenate our inner spirit. Sometimes, we just need to chill!

For Reflections on Nursing Leadership (RNL), published by the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International.