As students across England receive their exam results today, the NHS’s Chief Nursing Officer for England, Duncan Burton, is urging young men to consider a career in nursing, challenging outdated gender stereotypes and highlighting the profession’s rewarding opportunities.
Burton, the first man to hold the role, is using results day to encourage male students to explore healthcare degrees through UCAS Clearing, or consider health and social care apprenticeships and support worker roles as alternative routes into the NHS.
Despite the vital role men play in nursing, the latest figures show that just one in eight NHS nurses and health visitors are male—with under 47,300 men compared to nearly 321,200 women.
His message comes just days after the government launched its Graduate Guarantee, ensuring every newly qualified nurse and midwife has access to a job this year. The initiative is part of the wider 10-Year Health Plan, which also includes faster reimbursement of travel expenses and quicker course completion confirmations to help new nurses start work sooner.
Students are also being encouraged to explore over 300 NHS career paths, including roles as allied health professionals such as radiographers, podiatrists, and occupational therapists.
Chief Nursing Officer for England, Duncan Barton, said:
“I’d like to congratulate everyone getting exam results today and would encourage anyone considering their next steps to consider a healthcare degree.
“I’ve been a nurse for 27 years and it’s been incredibly rewarding. I became a nurse because I wanted to help people and provide the very best care, and I still love being a nurse.
“Our workforce should represent the communities we serve, and diverse teams with different perspectives deliver better patient care.
“I’d encourage all students thinking about nursing to take the next step and for any men getting their results today not to be put off by outdated stereotypes. Nursing offers opportunities for people from all backgrounds”.
A powerful example of male success in nursing comes from father and son duo Peter and Connor McKiernan, who both work at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. After completing nursing degrees at the University of Central Lancashire, they began their careers side-by-side in the emergency department and have since progressed into advanced clinical and leadership roles.
This campaign aims to break down gender barriers, promote diversity in the NHS workforce, and ensure that all students—regardless of gender—feel empowered to pursue a career in healthcare.
Image credit: iStock
