Gundersen Health System recognized as 'Best Workplace for Men in Nursing' for second consecutive year

Gundersen Health System has earned the Best Workplace for Men in Nursing award for the second year in a row and the third time in seven years.

Presented annually by the American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN), the award recognizes employers who have implemented significant efforts in recruiting and retaining men in a workplace culture supportive of men in nursing at all levels of practice. The evaluation process is based on 19 quality metrics which organizations must meet or exceed to be recognized.

"I am proud to hear we received the award again. We are committed to creating an environment that provides a wonderful place to practice and honors diversity," says Beth Smith-Houskamp, chief nursing officer and administrative chief operating officer at Gundersen Health System.

In the award application, Gundersen provided various examples of how their work environment supports men in nursing at all levels. Reviewers from the AAMN praised Gundersen in these areas, "Gundersen Health System is a growing organization and in doing so has seen increases in the number of nurses employed. They have kept a focus on the recruitment and retention of men in nursing and made it a priority. They have continued active engagement with the local AAMN chapter and feature men in nursing internally and externally in their communications, both in print and picture promoting gender inclusivity in nursing at the Gundersen Health System."

Historically, the majority of the nursing workforce has always been female. While the number of men choosing nursing as a career has been increasing in recent years, work still remains.

Gundersen is addressing this issue locally. The Coulee Region Chapter of the AAMN (established by Gundersen nurses Paul Larson and Chester Hilton in 2009) provides monthly educational and networking opportunities for area nursing students and nursing professionals.