The AMSN DEI Committee is delighted to spotlight several members throughout the year in celebration of recognition months. For Men’s Health Month, Blaise B. Nieve, PhDN, PhDEL, RN, NEA-BC, CMSRN, discusses the critical health issues currently faced by men and how medical-surgical nurses can help reduce the stigma around seeking medical care.

What made you choose nursing as a profession?

Truthfully, I didn’t choose nursing, at least not at first. It was my father’s wish for me to become a nurse, a dream he deeply believed in and hoped I would fulfill. Out of love, respect, and a sense of duty, I followed that path. But along the way, something changed. Through clinical rotations, long nights, and quiet moments with patients, I began to find meaning in the work. Nursing started to feel less like an obligation and more like a calling. 

Today, I’m proud to say nursing is not just my profession; it’s my purpose. Whether I’m at the bedside as a clinical nurse, mentoring future nurses as an adjunct professor, or contributing to evidence-based knowledge as a nurse researcher, I carry this purpose with me. It drives everything I do. 

What do you think are the most critical health issues that men face today? What unique challenges do you see when it comes to addressing men’s health in a clinical setting?

Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental health, and cancers remain high on the list. But beyond the diagnoses, the real barrier is silence. Many men grow up internalizing the idea that seeking help is a sign of weakness. In the clinical setting, I’ve seen male patients downplay symptoms or delay care until things are critical. There’s also a perception that “real men tough it out,” a cultural norm that works against early detection and preventive care. These attitudes make it challenging to create an open and trusting space for conversation about men’s health. 

How can AMSN members contribute to the broader conversation about men’s health and help reduce stigma around seeking medical care?

Start by normalizing vulnerability. Whether it's a nurse-to-patient moment or a hallway conversation with colleagues, we need to model what it looks like to talk openly about physical and mental health, especially as men. AMSN members can also advocate for inclusive health education, share stories, and support campaigns that highlight the diversity of male health experiences. Representation matters. When male nurses talk about mental health, colonoscopies, or therapy, it helps dismantle outdated ideas about masculinity and care-seeking. 

How can nurses and healthcare professionals better educate and engage men in managing their health proactively?

Connection is key. We must meet men where they are emotionally, culturally, and contextually. That means using clear, jargon-free language, tailoring health education to what matters to them (like how lifestyle changes impact work, energy, or longevity), and respecting their lived experiences. We also need to take the time to build trust. A simple act like asking a man about his daily routine or his support system can open doors to deeper conversations. Consistency, patience, and cultural humility make all the difference. 

What are some strategies that work well in encouraging men to be more open about their health and seek care when needed?

Storytelling is powerful. I often share personal or patient stories (while maintaining privacy) that illustrate how early intervention or opening up saved someone’s life or improved their quality of life. Peer-to-peer encouragement also works! Men are more likely to listen when they hear from someone they relate to. Framing health visits as acts of strength and responsibility, not weakness, can also shift perceptions. And finally, engaging family members, especially partners, can be instrumental; they’re often the ones encouraging men to take that first step toward care.

Watch Dr. Nieve's video message about Men's Health Month: