Beyond the Armor: How Men in Nursing Are Redefining Masculinity and Becoming True Leaders
Todd Angelucci BSN RN
Helping Healthcare Professionals to Reignite Their Purpose, Lead with Confidence, and Build Wealth with Impact 🚀 | Resilience Advocate & Brain Tumor Survivor 🧠 | Transforming Healthcare Heroes into Resilient Leaders
February 20, 2025
Redefining Masculinity: Embracing Emotional Strength and Purpose in a Changing World
For generations, masculinity has been boxed into rigid roles—protector, provider, the silent warrior. But what if true strength isn’t about suppressing emotions, but mastering them? What if leadership isn’t about domination, but about presence, wisdom, and emotional intelligence?
Men, especially those of us in nursing, stand at a crossroads. Society is shifting, and so is our role within it. Nearly 1 in 3 men report struggling with their sense of identity in today’s world. Many of us grew up with few male role models, learning primarily from women and working alongside them, in a world where traditional masculinity is increasingly questioned. In nursing, we often face the challenge of navigating a profession dominated by women, where the stereotypes of masculinity don’t always fit. The reality? Many of us are grappling with an identity crisis.
Dr. Robert Glover, author of No More Mr. Nice Guy, explains what he calls “Nice Guy Syndrome”—the tendency for men to suppress their true desires and emotions to conform to societal expectations, only to end up feeling lost, frustrated, and disconnected from their purpose. Gs Youngblood, in The Masculine in Relationship, challenges us to move beyond outdated stereotypes and forge deeper, more honest connections with ourselves and others. True masculinity, he asserts, is about being fully present, emotionally attuned, and leading from a place of authenticity.
The Impact on Male Nurses
Nowhere is this identity struggle more evident than in nursing, a profession traditionally dominated by women. Male nurses often find themselves caught between two worlds—expected to embody the compassionate caregiver while also feeling the pressure to maintain traditional masculine traits of toughness and independence.
But here’s the reality: nursing requires more than just technical skill. It demands presence, resilience, and the ability to connect deeply with patients and colleagues. Yet many men in nursing suppress their emotions, avoiding vulnerability out of fear of being perceived as weak. This isolation isn’t just harmful—it’s unsustainable.
I know this struggle firsthand. Over the years, I have led a private men's group, a space where men—nurses, entrepreneurs, leaders—can come together to connect, grow, and transform. The transformations I’ve witnessed are undeniable. Men who were once weighed down by silence, expectation, and isolation are now stepping into their power, learning how to express themselves fully while embracing both strength and sensitivity. What I’ve learned is this: male nurses, and men in general, desperately need spaces to grow, to be seen, and to redefine their own sense of masculinity.
And when men step into their full power—when they become more of who they truly are—it elevates everyone around them, including the women in our profession and personal lives. Strong, self-aware men create safer, more collaborative, and more empowering environments. When men show up with confidence, emotional intelligence, and authenticity, they foster deeper trust, healthier relationships, and more effective teamwork. This isn’t just about men—it’s about creating a balanced, thriving profession where both men and women can excel together.
Addressing the Women in Our Lives and Nursing
As men embrace their full potential, it doesn’t just transform them—it uplifts the women around them as well. Women in nursing, leadership, and personal relationships thrive when the men in their lives cultivate emotional intelligence, stability, and confidence. A man who is deeply rooted in his purpose and self-awareness creates an environment where women feel safe, respected, and valued.
Too often, gender dynamics in nursing create unnecessary tension. But when men show up as conscious leaders, when they listen deeply, support without ego, and collaborate with respect, they contribute to a more harmonious and empowered workplace. True leadership is not about control; it’s about presence, and when men master this, it allows the women around them to shine even brighter. This creates a ripple effect—women feel more supported, patient care improves, and the entire profession moves forward in a healthier, more balanced way.
Stereotypes & Gender Bias: Breaking the Mold
Despite their growing presence, male nurses still face outdated perceptions. Many patients, families, and even colleagues assume they are doctors or orderlies, unintentionally undermining their professional identity. During patient interactions, it’s not uncommon for male nurses to hear questions like, “Oh, you’re a nurse? Why didn’t you become a doctor?” These subtle biases reinforce the misconception that nursing is a “woman’s job,” making it harder for men to feel fully accepted in the field
Limited Mentorship & Representation: The Search for Role Models
With female nurses comprising the majority of leadership and education roles, male nurses often struggle to find mentors who can relate to their experiences. Career advancement can feel like navigating a maze without a map, and many men in nursing find themselves without strong guidance on how to rise in the profession. Without visible male role models in leadership, the path forward can seem uncertain.
This is why mentorship is so critical. In my private men’s group, I’ve seen firsthand how transformational it is when men have a space to connect, share their challenges, and support one another. It’s not about ego or proving oneself—it’s about building each other up, challenging each other to grow, and embracing a version of masculinity that includes wisdom, empathy, and leadership.
A New Way Forward: Actionable Steps
Men, it’s time we step into a more complete version of ourselves. Strength and sensitivity are not opposites—they are complementary forces. Courage and compassion can coexist. Leadership isn’t about control; it’s about presence and influence.
We must break free from the performance-based mindset that equates our worth with our accomplishments. Too many men live in a state of constant “doing,” never allowing themselves to simply be—to feel, to reflect, to embrace their full humanity. It’s time to reclaim the parts of ourselves we’ve been conditioned to suppress.
So what does this look like in action?
Authentic Conversations – We need to create spaces where men can talk openly about their experiences in nursing without fear of judgment. Brotherhood isn’t just about competition; it’s about support.
Emotional Intelligence – Suppressing emotions doesn’t make us strong; learning to navigate them does. Vulnerability is not weakness—it’s power.
Mentorship & Leadership – True leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about being the calm, steady presence amidst chaos, guiding others with wisdom and clarity.
Self-Development & Ownership – Invest in personal growth through books, coaching, and intentional reflection. Growth doesn’t happen by accident; it requires conscious effort.
Building Meaningful Relationships – Whether it’s colleagues, mentors, or personal relationships, learn to listen deeply, communicate with integrity, and show up as your full self.
Redefining Masculinity
We’ve been conditioned to believe that masculinity is about toughness and dominance. But real men—powerful men—are those who master both strength and sensitivity, courage and compassion. Anything taken to the extreme becomes toxic. This isn’t about abandoning masculinity—it’s about evolving it.
It’s time we redefine what it means to be a man, not just for ourselves, but for the generations of men who will come after us. Let’s step into the fullness of who we are meant to be—leaders, healers, brothers, mentors, and men of integrity. Let’s create a new model of masculinity that is as powerful as it is authentic.
The world doesn’t just need more strong men. It needs more whole men.
Learn and grow - Join us
JOIN - The Men's Association of Nurses (The MAN) – Brotherhood in Scrubs
A community built for men in nursing who are navigating the unique challenges of this rewarding yet demanding profession. Whether it’s breaking stereotypes, finding mentorship, advancing in leadership, or simply having a space to connect with like-minded professionals, this group is here to support, uplift, and empower each other.
Disclaimer: We love our female nurse colleagues (seriously, y’all keep this profession running), and anyone who wants to support or learn from us is welcome to join!
(We just ask that you tolerate our bad jokes and occasional deep discussions about protein intake.)
