UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Back in his freshman year, Alex Dampman, a Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing student at Penn State's University Park campus, was introduced to a recently revamped club called Men in Nursing by his adviser, Kris Conn.
Being in a predominantly female profession, Dampman said it can be hard to find friends and learn about opportunities for men within the field, so he knew that Men in Nursing was his opportunity to build that community at Penn State.
“It’s a spot for men to feel welcomed and know that there are others that they can talk to that are in a similar situation as them,” Dampman said.
For his senior year, Dampman now serves as the club’s president, where he organizes meetings and events, puts ideas together from the board, and acts as the main correspondent.
“After 2020, they [Men in Nursing club] let me know that they needed more board members for the upcoming year because everybody was a senior and moving on,” Dampman said. “I figured I would put my name out there and see what happens, and that’s where it led me today.”
But just because he is president does not mean that he works alone, he has a group of dedicated students who fill out the executive board.
“Everyone is equal on the board,” Dampman said. “Just because I am president doesn’t mean that my voice is greater than our secretary. We all work together, and we work together well.”
Just like the nursing profession, teamwork is key. This also is prevalent when keeping the club running between both University Park and the clinical students in Hershey. To make sure everyone is included, the club has biweekly Zoom meetings to keep in touch.
“That's the goal, to keep everybody together,” Dampman said. “Space between Hershey and University Park is separate enough, so by being able to have one meeting it is honestly easier for everybody.”
Aside from these two campuses, Dampman also has a goal of extending the club to every Penn State campus that offers nursing throughout the commonwealth. Even if he can’t get it done during his tenure, then he has faith in those who will move into his spot to get this running.
“If I can’t see it happen while I am here, I would love to come back one day and hear that they actually have accomplished that goal,” Dampman said.
Overall, the club advocates for the professional development of these students and prepares them for career success, while also giving a fun and uplifting social aspect to their academic journey.
“I know that finding my first male friend in nursing was tough for me, so being able to provide a connection between everybody and get them talking or interacting in some way is very beneficial,” Dampman said.
Those who want to learn more and get involved with the Men in Nursing club can contact Dampman at apd5658@psu.edu.