A new chapter has begun for men in nursing at the University of New Brunswick Saint John campus with the upcoming New Brunswick Association of Men in Nursing Society. This new group aims to promote diversity and provide leadership, mentorship, and community building in nursing. Their objective is to foster a partnership between the student and faculty populations and raise awareness about men and diversity in nursing.  

Introducing NBAMN-UNBSJ

Sadra Nassiri, a second-year nursing student, is the president, and his focus is on “building sustainable mentorship programs, strengthening faculty partnerships, and raising the club’s visibility so more students can benefit from our supports.”

Don Paulin is the student representative who is hoping to “build excitement and engagement among male-identifying nursing students, foster peer connections, and collaborate with other student groups to expand our impact.”

Dave Mazerolle, a UNB Saint John Nursing Alumnus, Assistant Teaching Professor, and RN with 16 years of experience, serves as the faculty representative. “As co-founder of the NBAMN, I recognized the need for a mentorship-focused group to support men and male-identifying nursing students in navigating challenges and opportunities.”  

@nbamn_unbsj on Instagram

When asked what inspired them to start this society, the executive team highlighted the ongoing underrepresentation of men in nursing. Referring to research by the Canadian Nurses Association, the executive team reveals that, “in 2023, about 90% of regulated nurses in Canada were female, making nursing a female-dominated profession (Canadian Nurses Association, 2023). This underrepresentation can lead to feelings of isolation, lack of visibility, and limited mentorship opportunities.”.  

The NBAMN-UNB Saint John is excited to engage with new, prospective, and returning nursing students to offer mentorship, promote belonging and diversity, and create a space for students to feel supported in their experiences. The society highlights that “research shows that men in nursing programs often report feeling isolated, stereotyped, or lacking role models (Meadus & Twomey, 2011; Zamanzadeh et al., 2013). That’s why we’re excited to create a supportive space where members can connect, feel seen, and build traditions together. Most of all, we want students to feel a sense of belonging and pride in their profession.”. 

Further, the NBAMN society is going to use its positions to help combat stereotypes and inequalities against men in nursing. “One of the biggest issues is ensuring that male-identifying students feel supported and engaged throughout their education. Research shows that men often face stereotypes, bias in clinical placements, and a lack of mentors, which can negatively impact their confidence and retention (O’Lynn, 2004; Meadus & Twomey, 2011). We hope to tackle this by building a strong mentorship culture, reducing isolation, and highlighting the unique contributions men bring to the profession. By increasing visibility and community, we want to encourage more men to see nursing as a rewarding and inclusive career path — while also working to make nursing education more equitable for everyone.”  

What will this year look like for the NBAMN-UNBSJ?

The NBAMN-UNB Saint John is the first Canadian school-based chapter of the American Association of Men in Nursing. While it is only just getting started, the society already has initiatives in place to make this society not just a social club, but an opportunity for mentorship and advocacy. 

“While our name highlights men, our focus is on diversity, inclusion, and community for all nursing students. Evidence shows that when men feel included and supported in nursing, it benefits the entire classroom and practice environment (Zamanzadeh et al., 2013). We want all nursing students to feel welcome, engaged, and supported in their journeys.” 

There is a lot in store for this new society, as they already have activities planned for the fall semester. The executive team announces that they are planning “a mix of academic and social activities, including a trivia night, a public ‘Breaking Stereotypes’ roundtable with nurses and students, and fundraising. Our second member meeting is in room HWK 107 on October 14th, 16:30–18:30. We’re also exploring collaborations with other student groups for joint events.”. 

The executive team is looking forward to what this year will bring for this new society. “One of the most exciting parts about being a new group is that we’re starting with a clean slate — traditions and signature events are just beginning to form, and members will help shape what those become. Early engagement and mentorship to improve retention of men in nursing (O’Lynn, 2004), we see these activities not just as fun but as crucial for building the connections and confidence that help students succeed.” 

@nbamn_unbsj on Instagram

Stay tuned for more information and events about the NBAMN-UNB Saint John by following their Instagram page. They are currently looking for event organizers and a first-year representative to join their executive team! Want to join the society but don’t want to be on the executive team? That’s okay, because you can also join as a general member and still be involved in the establishment, expansion, and future of this society.