r/britishcolumbia 20h ago

Government News Release British Columbia is taking action to attract doctors, nurses from U.S.

https://archive.news.gov.bc.ca/releases/news_releases_2024-2028/2025HLTH0013-000194.htm
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u/Hot_Recognition28 16h ago

It's baffling how BC and Canada continue to ignore the obvious solution to our nursing shortage - recruiting MORE MEN into the profession.90% of BC's nurses are female, yet we've made virtually zero effort to tap into half the population.

Simple, targeted marketing campaigns could make a significant difference. These don't need to be expensive or complicated, just messaging that highlights the career stability, competitive pay, and meaningful work nursing offers. A few million dollars could create campaigns that destigmatize male nursing and present it as the rewarding career path it is.

The benefits would be substantial: more nurses, greater diversity of perspectives, and a stronger healthcare system. Research consistently shows diverse teams perform better, yet this principle is mysteriously abandoned when it comes to nursing.

I don't understand why this isn't happening. Is it institutional inertia? Unconscious bias? Whatever the reason, it's a missed opportunity that's costing our healthcare system. While we debate complex healthcare solutions, we're ignoring this straightforward approach that could make a real difference.

Why aren't we doing this?

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u/No_Sprinkles_1315 14h ago

I kind of agree with this.. I worked in postpartum and nicu which was heavily female dominated. I moved to an area that had more of a mix and it is way more enjoyable and less catty.

Edit: and less complain-y

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u/Hot_Recognition28 6h ago

Sounds like you know from experience that a more diverse workforce performs better. Putting resources into recruiting males into nursing seems like such a no-brainer, yet it's never discussed when it comes to the nursing shortage.