Graduating senior Bradley Black worked with patients in the Navy (left). He has been working at UC Health and also has been offered a job in the Coronary Care Intensive Care Unit at Cleveland Clinic (submitted photos).

Bradley Black stumbled into the nursing field during his time in the U.S. Navy and quickly discovered how much he enjoyed the patient care experiences he had as a fleet marine force corpsman.

The Lebanon, Ohio man, who wanted to build on his skills and knowledge by joining a profession “with a rich history of selfless innovators,” graduates from Miami University in May with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

“I learn something new about a disease process or nursing intervention in every single clinical, field operation, or PCA (patient care assistant) shift I have worked,” said Black, who has been working in an acute care setting at UC Health since 2022.

Black — who has been offered a job in the Coronary Care Intensive Care Unit at Cleveland Clinic — is proud to be part of the changing face of nursing.

Stephanie Nicely, chair and associate professor of Nursing at Miami University, said they have seen more men sign up for Nursing programs following Miami Nursing's expansion across the Oxford and Hamilton campuses. This academic year, about 10% of the 678 undergraduate Nursing students identify as male.

“The healthcare industry is increasingly committed to challenging stereotypes, including those related to gender,” she said. “Students are questioning barriers and advocating for greater inclusion with questions like ‘Why not me?’”

She added, “Miami University has responded by showcasing the diverse opportunities within nursing across our campuses. As the number of men pursuing careers in nursing has grown nationwide, so too have the number of men providing direct patient care, offering valuable perspectives and compassionate care.”

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports the percentage of male nurses has consistently increased over the last 20 years, with male nurses now comprising about 12% of the profession.

Brayden Osborne, left, with Reed Stewart (photo by Alyssa Maul).

‘I loved all the different paths’

Junior Reed Stewart is one of two Miami University Regionals students credited with helping save the life of an adjunct faculty member who collapsed during finals week last winter.

Stewart and Brayden Osborne, both in the Nursing program, took turns performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the instructor outside Mosler Hall on the Hamilton campus.

Stewart said he has known his entire life he wanted to do something in healthcare. Because he wanted to get into his career as soon as possible, he switched majors from Pre-Med to Nursing.

“I loved all the different paths you could take in nursing and that the schooling wouldn’t last for most of my 20s,” Stewart said.

Osborne, meanwhile, said he felt “a calling” to the profession.

“I never really questioned what else I wanted to do, but when I heard nursing and caring for others, I knew it would be right for me,” said Osborne, who is excited for next year when he’ll train in a hospital setting and get “the chance to make a difference in lives and see how it fits me.” 

Hunter Edwards ’24, a registered nurse at Cleveland Clinic’s Cardiovascular ICU, was the first in his family to earn a college degree. Here he is at last year's commencement with his daughter and son (submitted photo).

'I saw a need in health care'

Hunter Edwards ’24, a registered nurse at Cleveland Clinic’s Cardiovascular ICU (CVICU), was the first person in his family to earn a college degree.

The Marine Corps veteran said he chose nursing at the beginning of the pandemic.

“I saw a need in healthcare and I wanted to fill some of that need. I have always had an interest in healthcare and had experience in EMS (emergency medical services).”

He said the GI bill allowed him to be financially able to attend school while still spending time with his wife and two young children.

“My experience in the Marine Corps and firefighting allowed me to confidently pick a high-paced environment as a nurse in the CVICU,” he said.

He’s not surprised to see more men going into the field.

‘Nursing is a career with many avenues. There are options in nursing for everyone, regardless of gender, so it does not surprise me to see more males entering this career,” he said.

He noted nurses can practice anesthesia as a certified registered nurse anesthetist, provide critical care as an ICU nurse, fly to car crashes as a flight nurse, or be a family provider as a family nurse practitioner. “These are just a few of the hundreds/thousands of options in the field,” he said.

Edwards enjoys working at Cleveland Clinic, which is consistently ranked as the highest rated heart hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

“I came here seeking the chance to become one of the best cardiovascular intensive care nurses in the world,” he said. “The Clinic gave me the intense cardiovascular critical care experience I was looking for while simultaneously supporting me and giving me an abundant amount of resources to help me grow as a nurse.”

Edwards added, “Nursing is a career that has something for everyone. I cannot express this enough. There is a world of opportunity in nursing, and I’m glad I began my journey at Miami.”

Michael Hundley, a senior majoring in Nursing, has gained valuable on-the-job experience as a nursing assistant at Kettering Health Hamilton through Work+. “I’m getting a great opportunity to work in a healthcare setting and use the skills I’m learning in the classroom. It also sets me up financially because I don’t have to worry about my college expenses.”

An opportunity for advancement

Nicely said that as male students become more aware of the wide range of career paths available in the field, nursing continues to be an appealing option for professional advancement.

“A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) not only creates opportunities for entry but also facilitates further growth through leadership roles, specialization areas such as flight nursing, executive positions, and ongoing certification development,” said Nicely, chief nurse administrator of nursing programs. 

“Miami University Nursing has responded by providing various pathways in higher education, including the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Track, the Executive Nurse Leader program, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice.”

While Black is just weeks away from graduation, he is already thinking about such opportunities down the road.

“After some years of bedside experience, I plan to go back for my doctorate to become either a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist,” he said.

Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about Miami's Department of Nursing? Visit the website for more information.