WVUH named ‘Best Workplace for Men’ in Nursing

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The American Assembly for Men in Nursing (AAMN) recently named West Virginia University Hospitals as the recipient of its 2010 Best Workplace for Men in Nursing Award.

The award recognizes employers that have implemented significant efforts in recruiting and retaining men in a workplace culture supportive of men at all levels of nursing practice. According to the AAMN, WVUH “showed a proven record of diversity in the workforce and a superior dedication to men in nursing.”

Currently, there are 1,162 nurses employed at WVUH, and of those, 10.8 percent nurses are men. In addition, 32 percent of the nursing management and administration roles at WVUH are held by men. “Men contribute and compliment the nursing workforce,” Dottie Oakes, WVUH vice president and chief nurse executive, said. “We welcome the diversity and value their professionalism.”

To be considered for the award, WVUH submitted a portfolio detailing its efforts in meeting the needs of men in nursing. Examples of efforts included recruitment materials, career fairs, public relations events, historical evidence demonstrating an increase in the number of men in nursing at WVUH, orientation and continuing education materials that are gender neutral as related to nursing professionals, and evidence of involvement of men in nursing in organizational committees effecting nursing practice. 

Jay Bowers, R.N., clinical educator in the operating room, has been at WVUH since 1991 when he graduated from the WVU School of Nursing. “I went in to nursing so that I could help others and hopefully help them live a fuller life,” he said.

For Jay Sherman, R.N., neurology staff nurse, the decision to seek employment at WVUH was simple. “WVUH is the best hospital in the state,” he said. “I've worked in many different jobs and can definitely say that the type of people who work here are the best people I've ever worked with. I think meeting new people and having so many face-to-face interactions on a weekly basis is very good for my emotional well being. Furthermore, I like being in a position to make such an important positive difference in so many people's lives.”

The award was presented at the AAMN annual conference at Duke University in Durham, N.C., in September.