Our Visions & Values
1.
Our Vision
To promote nursing as a diverse and inclusive profession for all, by addressing the underrepresentation of men and challenging stigmas associated with the field, while supporting men who are qualified nurses, students, or clinical support staff.
2.
Encouraging Partnerships
& Sustainability
To promote an inclusive workforce and address disparities, thereby strengthening the nursing profession.
3.
Encouraging Compassion
& Creativity
To empower, encourage, and value others' ideas by promoting opportunities to influence and innovate within the nursing profession.
4.
Encouraging learning
& Improvement
To influence practice and education for men in nursing, enabling nurses and clinical support staff to grow professionally.
The 10%
For decades, men have remained a minority within the nursing profession. In 1955, following a gradual increase, men represented 10% of NHS nurses. By 2015, this figure had risen slightly to 11% (A History of Men in Nursing, Megan Ford, 2019). In 2018, the proportion grew to 11.5% (NMC, 2018). However, four years later, this number has unfortunately declined, with only 11% of the UK nursing workforce identifying as male, while 89% identified as female (www.nurses.co.uk).
Although nursing care was historically provided predominantly by men (Carson-Newman University Online), in modern society there appears to be a stigma associated with men entering the profession (Miller, C. C., and Fremson, R., January 2018).
When working with children across various age groups, a common perception is that nurses are typically women (Darren Aldrich, Men are doctors and women are nurses. Right? Of course not, but is this what primary school kids really think? www.hee.nhs.uk).
Additionally, there is a stigma related to sexual orientation attached to men who pursue nursing. Due to the caring and compassionate nature of the profession, there is a misconception that men in nursing must be either feminine or homosexual (Rozzette Cabrera, R.N., 3 Myths About Male Nurses You’re Probably Tired Of Hearing, 2017).
Another perception among men in the nursing profession is that they tend to advance quickly into managerial roles, often referred to as riding the "glass elevator." While it is true that some individuals aspire to leadership or executive positions, many nurses are equally fulfilled providing direct patient care and prefer to remain in staff nurse roles (Betty Egan, The Male Nurse: Benefits and Percentages of Men in Nursing, April 1, 2021).
What is
MINT
doing to help
change perceptions
?
Since 2018, MINT has collaborated with schools across Yorkshire, providing opportunities for nurses to attend career days and fairs to promote diversity within the nursing workforce.
We have also shared our vision and objectives through appearances on local radio and television stations, helping to raise awareness of our mission.
In addition, we have engaged with universities and NHS trusts to highlight the work we are doing. Our goal is to support student nurses as they begin their careers, as well as healthcare staff who may benefit from additional support or simply wish to be part of a supportive community.
Disclaimer
MINT works alongside our female and non-binary colleagues to help raise awareness of nursing and healthcare professions. We fully support career progression for female staff and others within the workforce. As of January 2025, MINT is proud to report that 11% of its membership identifies as female or non-binary.
