College of Nursing to Host National Nursing Conference
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 13, 2011) − The University of Kentucky College of Nursing will host the 36th Annual American Assembly for Men in Nursing (AAMN) Conference Oct. 19 - 21, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lexington. Nurses and nursing students alike from all over the nation will gather for three days of networking and discussion of issues that affect men in the nursing profession.
This year's conference, "The Future of Nursing: Men Leading Change, Advancing Health,” will feature three keynote speakers: Scott Williams, vice president of Men's Health Network, Washington; Michael R. Bleich, dean and Carol A. Linderman Distinguished Professor, Oregon Health and Science University School of Nursing; and Courtney Lyder, professor of nursing, Internal Medicine and Geriatrics and dean of nursing at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Graig Casada, nurse recruiter for UK HealthCare, said it would be beneficial for all male RNs and supporters of men in nursing to attend the AAMN conference. "The conference celebrates and recognizes the significant advances men have made in nursing," Casada said.
Don Anderson, education chair for the American Assembly of Men in Nursing says that this conference promises to be one of action and excitement. "The planning committee has selected an incredible array of presentations and featured speakers to foster an atmosphere of learning, sharing, fellowship and mentoring for the attendees," Anderson said.
A national organization with local chapters, AAMN as grown from three chapters five years ago to 26 chapters today. It provides a framework for nurses, as a group, to meet, to discuss and influence factors that affect men as nurses. Currently, 6.6 percent of the registered nurse population is male.
“While nursing remains a predominately female profession, I am pleased that a growing number of men are selecting nursing as their place to make a difference in the world," said Jane Kirschling, dean of the UK College of Nursing. "With more than 3 million registered nurses in this country, the impact we have on health care is enormous. I look forward to the continued growth in the numbers of men who choose this profession and am pleased that 12 percent of our own undergraduate and graduate nursing students are male.”
Demetrius Abshire, doctoral candidate and part-time nursing instructor at the UK College of Nursing said the AAMN conference is a great opportunity for nurses to engage with a professional organization devoted to factors affecting men in nursing.
"I am very excited that the annual American Assembly for Men in Nursing Conference will be held in Lexington this year," Abshire said. "I would like to invite anyone interested in promoting diversity in nursing to attend this conference. I have personally formed many great friendships and professional contacts by attending and participating in the national conference."
Media Contact: Ann Blackford at (859) 323-6442 or ann.blackford@uky.edu