Misericordia University is Officially a Chapter of The American Association for Men in Nursing

Misericordia University is Officially a Chapter of The American Association for Men in Nursing

Misericordia University’s male nursing student club, The Men of Mercy, is now one of three universities in Pennsylvania to be an official chapter of the American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN).

The Men of Mercy is a club for male nursing students at Misericordia that was established before Covid. Richard Hennigan, MSN Ed, RN-BC, assistant professor of Nursing and advisor of The Men of Mercy, said that the idea of the group was to mentor younger male nursing students, talk over their concerns, and support all in the group with the challenges they may face. The meetings also include guest speakers that provide insight into the field and the many opportunities for a career in nursing.

Hennigan applied for the chapter certification to the national organization and received the chapter certification letter on November 16, 2022. “We at Misericordia are one of only three universities that are a part of the organization, including Carlow University and Penn State. We encourage male nursing students and registered nurses from other institutions who may want to join our chapter. I hope this will help recruit new students to consider Misericordia's nursing program.”

As one of the founding programs, Misericordia University's Nursing Department has been educating nursing students and serving the community's healthcare needs for over 90 years. Misericordia continues this tradition today by offering a wide variety of programs and a seamless transition allowing students to progress from the undergraduate to graduate, and finally, the doctoral level. The Commission fully accredits nursing programs at Misericordia on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Misericordia is the oldest nursing program in Luzerne County and the most significant discipline within the College of Health Sciences.

Jacob Rudy, a senior Nursing student and President of The Men of Mercy, who has been a part of the chapter’s growth for the last four years, says, “I am proud of the principles that this organization represents and the accomplishments of this chapter in a short period of time. I am thankful for the leadership of Professor Hennigan and the fellowship of past and current members. We have created a sound foundation to continue to support students and the community.”

Beyond being a chapter in AAMN, The Men of Mercy embodies the Misericordia charisms of mercy, service, justice, and hospitality by working on service projects to support the community. This past year they did a clothing drive for veterans and a Thanksgiving food drive. They are looking forward to many more service projects moving forward. The Men of Mercy AAMN first chapter officers include Jacob Rudy, president; Matt King, vice president; Doug Hosking, secretary and Connor Spudis, treasurer.

The AAMN was established back in 1971 by a nurse, Steve Miller. Since then, over the years, AAMN has continued with the original objectives with minimal modifications. AAMN's goals are to ​encourage men of all ages to become nurses and join with all nurses to strengthen and humanize health care. Support men who are nurses to grow professionally and demonstrate to each other and society the increasing contributions made by men within the nursing profession. Advocate for continued research, education, and dissemination of information about men's health issues, men in nursing, and nursing knowledge at the local and national levels. Finally, support members' full participation in the nursing profession and its organizations and use this Association for the limited objectives stated above.

For more information about Misericordia’s Nursing program, click here. For more information on the American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN), click here.