Looking For a Few Good Men: DeKalb Medical Center Debuts Male Nurse Calendar to Aid in Recruitment Efforts

DECATUR, Ga. -- Today, in recognition of National Nurses Day, DeKalb Medical Center commemorates the vital contributions that men make to nursing with the unveiling of its 2003-2004 calendar, "Manpower: A Salute to the Male Nurses Behind DeKalb Medical Center."

With men representing only 5.4 percent (3.4 percent in the State of Georgia) of the approximately 2.7 million nurses in the United States, the calendar pays tribute to this often overlooked and unheralded, yet growing segment of the nursing profession. Launched not only to support the recruitment of male nurses for DeKalb Medical Center, the calendar helps showcase the countless opportunities -- both personally and professionally -- available to men in nursing on a national scale.

"Since 1977, when we hired our first male nurse, DeKalb Medical Center has recognized the unique skill sets and strength in caring that men bring to nursing," said Susan Parry, RN, director of nursing and patient care services at DeKalb Medical Center. "Diversity within our nursing staff has always been the foundation of our continued success."

Used as recruiting tools, the calendars will be distributed at career fairs, included in recruitment information kits and featured on the hospital's Web site. Copies of the calendar also will be available in the hospital gift shop for $5 each or by calling (404) 541-1111. Proceeds from the sale of the calendar will benefit DeKalb Medical Center's Nurse Retention and Recruitment Program.

"The calendar is a unique tool within the industry that enables us to promote nursing in a fun, creative way and distinguish DeKalb Medical Center as an innovator in ways to recruit and retain our nurses," said Patricia Horton, RN, director of critical care and emergency services and chairman of the hospital's nurse retention and recruitment committee. "It allows us to highlight, in a more positive manner, an essential segment of our caring population -- our male nurses."

The 12 male nurse-role models featured in the calendar represent a variety of nursing positions within the hospital. Nursing today offers direct patient care and clinical care positions (in areas such as the operating room, intensive care unit and emergency department) as well as non-patient care positions (such as quality improvement, infection control, patient education and information technology) and management/administrative positions in both clinical and non-clinical areas.

"At DeKalb Medical Center, understanding and caring for our nurses' well- being is our fundamental philosophy. We are a model for continued growth, development and innovation within the nursing profession. Our legacy of care serves as a testament to the nurses who unselfishly give their minds, their strengths and, most of all, their hearts to their profession and their community," Parry said.

"On Nurses Day, as well as throughout the year, DeKalb Medical Center is proud to salute the men, as well as all of today's nursing professionals, who have demonstrated great strength, resolve and compassion and who, with devotion and altruistic effort, continue to be committed to improving the quality of patient care," Parry added.

Source: DeKalb Medical Center