NURSING SUPPORTS PASSION FOR FARMING

 

One might not readily expect nursing and farming to go hand in hand, but for third year BSN student, Mike Dickinson, it fits perfectly with his overall life plan.

 "I chose nursing for several reasons. Health care has always been a part of my family. I come from a long line of nurses. I will be the first male nurse in the family and can't wait to carry on the tradition. Also, nursing is a career that will allow me to do my real passion, farming. Farming has always been my dream but I wanted to go to school and get an education," Dickinson said.

"Originally, I planned on nursing being a back-up plan but I have enjoyed school so much that I now look forward to doing both after graduation."

Dickinson said that women will always be the majority of nurses, but you will continue to see more men enter the profession. "Women make amazing nurses but I think there is a definite need for men in the profession."

He graduated from Logan-Magnolia High School in Logan, Iowa. "When I tell people that I'm going to nursing school, they usually are surprised. They ask me why I chose the profession and where I want to end up working. I think most people find nursing a very admirable profession, and I have had nothing but support from everyone."

Dickinson chose Clarkson College because it is small, preferring the kind of environment that you can't get from a large university.

"Clarkson was the best place I visited; it just made me feel at home. Everyone here is very friendly and the faculty is awesome," he said.

And about being one of the few males among the masses of women, Dickinson said, "Well I have been fortunate to find a lot of friends here at Clarkson, but surprisingly the most difficult thing has been the lack of 'guy time.' I love going to a school full of women, what guy wouldn't. But sometimes you just want a cool guy to hang out with!"

Being a male in a non-traditional career role may be the wave of the future. "The most rewarding thing has been when a patient tells you about how they think men make great nurses. Almost everyone has come into contact with a male nurse and realize that they have a lot to offer," Dickinson said.

Dickinson also credits the support he has received from his parents, friends, family and the community as a contributor to feeling comfortable in the nursing profession.  "Both [parents] encouraged me to get an education. I think my Dad is very pleased with my choice. He has always supported me going to school but is glad I still plan on farming as well. My hometown has also supported me. My high school teachers and friends have been awesome. My guy friends were skeptical at first, but after sharing some of my experiences in the hospitals they approved."

After graduation, Dickinson plans to live on the farm and would like to work in Omaha. Later, he plans on being married and starting a family. "I want to be employed at a hospital and working with my dad on the farm. It is a forty-minute drive and I think it would be worth it. I love working in large hospitals. There is always something going on and there are a lot of different areas you can work in," he said.

Dickinson adds, "I'm really glad I chose nursing and Clarkson College. Both are a good fit for me. I would encourage anyone to go to Clarkson for nursing. It's a great place to get an education."

by Melodae Smith-Lane