Male nurses work in a variety of settings to provide medical care for patients. Regardless of the specialty area of care, such as pediatrics, cardiology and oncology, male nurses monitor and treat patients at hospitals, clinics, physician offices, community centers, schools and private organizations. A male nurse, often known as a registered nurse, not only monitors the care of each patient but also provides emotional support and educational opportunities for families coping with long-term patient care.

Primary Responsibilities

The core responsibility of a male nurse, regardless of the type of medical facility, is to promote health for every patient. Male nurses perform daily duties to monitor each patient’s symptoms and progress. Nurses may be required to check vital signs, administer medication, draw blood, maintain IV lines and document patient concerns.

Secondary Responsibilities

Communication with physicians, specialists and hospital personnel is a key component of a male nurse’s job. Male nurses collaborate with physicians and surgeons to chart, report and observe a patient’s symptoms and progress. Nurses are obligated to report any concerns with a patient’s physical, emotional and social well-being while under his care. These findings allow healthcare professionals to devise a suitable care plan for each patient.

Advocate Responsibilities

Male nurses are often called upon to advocate for patients who are unable to advocate for themselves, such as children without a parent or guardian, or patients with disabilities. In certain circumstances, it's helpful for male nurses to offer a male perspective to patients of the same gender. The American Assembly for Men in Nursing provides male nurses with continued research and education about nursing knowledge, men’s health issues and tips for men in the nursing field. These resources allow male nurses to tend to the needs of all genders when presenting community health workshops and educational programs.

Job Opportunities

Job opportunities for registered male nurses continue to grow as the demand for healthcare grows in the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that registered nursing positions will grow 22 percent from 2008 to 2018 within medical facilities such as hospitals, clinics and physician offices.

Training and Earnings

To obtain a position as a registered nurse, male nurse students must obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing from an accredited university prior to passing state certification testing. Male nurses can also attend conferences and workshops sponsored by the American Assembly for Men in Nursing to obtain additional continued education. Overall, in the United States, registered nurses make competitive salaries. According to the BLS, the average registered nurse earned $62,450 annually in 2008. Salaries vary based on education, experience and geographic locations.