January 19, 2010

Men in Nursing to host talk on future of the profession

Michael Bleich, dean of the Oregon Health and Science University School of Nursing, will give a presentation next week about the future of nursing. The event will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 26, in room 140 of the School of Nursing, with a reception to follow in the Carpenter Room.

Bleich, who was invited by the school’s Men in Nursing group, will specifically address the important role that men will play in the future of nursing.

“It is a great honor to have Dr. Bleich speak to us,” said student Lucas Fussell, who is co-chair of Men in Nursing. “Although he’ll be addressing the importance of men in the nursing profession, his message is very timely to all nurses, regardless of gender.”

Bleich has published more than 50 articles and book chapters on leadership, academic service partnerships and workforce issues. He has received many teaching awards and is  a member of numerous organizations and boards, including the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations Nursing Advisory Council, the American Organization of Nurse Executives, the American Nurses’ Association, Sigma Theta Tau and the Plexus Institute.

The Men in Nursing group was established to recruit more men into nursing and to highlight and promote the role of men in the nursing profession to prospective students and to the community. The group also serves to provide students a supportive environment to present issues and concerns unique to men in the field of nursing. The group offers mentoring services, professional resources, advocacy and social networking.