The Rewards and Challenges of Being a Male Nurse and Parent

>>Listen to “The Rewards and Challenges of Being a Male Nurse and Parent (With Brian Benjie, CVRN-BC)” 

In the latest episode of the Nurse Converse podcast, Brian, a seasoned nurse with 12 years of experience, shares his personal journey as a male nurse and father. He delves into the unique rewards and challenges that come with balancing these two significant roles in his life.

Brian’s path to nursing was influenced by his family’s legacy; both of his parents were nurses who immigrated from the Philippines. This familial connection to the profession instilled in him a sense of duty and passion for nursing. After completing his education at the University of Buffalo, he began his career in a heart failure unit, where he quickly formed strong bonds with his coworkers. However, the initial phase of his career was marked by anxiety and the pressures of being a new nurse, especially in a high-stakes environment.

1. Anxiety and Burnout: Brian recounts the anxiety he felt as a new nurse, particularly when managing heavy patient loads and navigating complex assignments. The pressure to perform well and the fear of making mistakes led to significant stress, especially during his early shifts.
2. Difficult Patient Interactions: One of the most harrowing experiences he faced involved a physically aggressive patient. This incident not only highlighted the risks associated with nursing but also made Brian reflect on the challenges male nurses face, particularly when dealing with aggressive patients. He noted that being a male nurse sometimes meant being assigned to more challenging cases, which can be both a burden and a point of pride.
3. Loss of a Close Colleague: The emotional toll of losing a close friend and coworker to cancer deeply affected Brian. This loss, coupled with the departure of other colleagues, left him feeling isolated and questioning his place in the nursing field. It was a pivotal moment that pushed him to seek a transfer to a different unit, the EP lab, where he hoped to find a more supportive environment.

Despite the challenges, Brian emphasizes the numerous rewards that come with being a nurse, particularly as a male in the profession:

1. Work-Life Balance: One of the most significant advantages Brian highlights is the flexibility of the nursing schedule. Working three days a week allows him to spend four full days with his family, which he cherishes. This balance enables him to engage in family activities and invest time in his children, which is especially important to him as a father.
2. Financial Stability: Nursing provides Brian with a stable income, health insurance, and opportunities for overtime. This financial security has allowed him to pursue additional ventures, such as real estate investing and teaching BLS and ACLS classes, which contribute to his overall net worth.
3. Personal Fulfillment: Transitioning to the EP lab brought a renewed sense of purpose for Brian. He finds joy in the direct impact he has on patients’ lives, which contrasts with his earlier experiences on the floor. This fulfillment not only enhances his job satisfaction but also positively influences his interactions with his family.
4. Continuous Learning and Growth: Brian discusses how the nursing profession encourages ongoing education and skill development. He has leveraged this to enhance his career and create multiple streams of income, which he views as essential for providing for his family.

For those considering a career in nursing, especially men, Brian’s message is simple: embrace the challenges, leverage the rewards, and remember that nursing can be a fulfilling and impactful profession.

Connect with Brian on social media:

Instagram: @brianmakesbenjamins

YouTube: @brianmakesbenjamins