By Erica Techo
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing is once again a Best School for Men in Nursing. This is the fourth year in a row the School has received this distinction from the American Association for Men in Nursing. The award recognizes schools with a continued commitment to creating an inclusive environment for men becoming professional nurses.
“The significance of these awards goes far beyond status or acknowledgement,” said Instructor and AAMN Birmingham Chapter President Somali Nguyen, DNP, CRNP, AGACNP-BC (BSN 2010, MSN 2014, DNP 2019). “It not only demonstrates but confirms the passion that the UAB School of Nursing has in providing a safe space for men and those in diverse populations to be able to attain their degree at an institution that whole heartedly supports them.”
A review of the School and its work toward inclusivity highlighted educational efforts, partnerships and the higher proportion of male faculty compared to the national average. UABSON’s faculty is 17.5 percent male, while the National League for Nursing found that nationally, only 8.4 percent of nursing faculty is male.
“The chapter does an outstanding job partnering with other organizations around the Birmingham area,” reviewers noted. “There is an obvious commitment to supporting men in nursing as well as diversity, equity and inclusion from the application materials. The school has done a great job focusing on men's health as well, offering a men's health course.”
As part of its efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, the School worked with community partners to reestablish the Birmingham Chapter of the American Association for Men in Nursing. This group continues to bring together faculty, staff, students and working nurses in order to discuss important topics, promote mentorship and more.
“If we can set our differences aside and work together with the common purpose of equality while continuing to have the support of our national organization, the UAB School of Nursing and our partners, we will continue to move forward,” Nguyen said. “We can continue breaking through physical and perceptual barriers that hold men and other diverse groups back from pursuing careers in nursing, opening opportunities to provide our patients with the high-quality health care experience that they deserve.”
