Changing Nursing Roles for Men

Scott (left) and Jaren both started at NKCH in 2021 as 
the first male nurses to work in Labor and Delivery.

The experience of bringing a newborn into the world has changed since the hospital first opened its doors in 1958. Back then, fathers sat in the waiting room to hear word of the baby’s arrival. Today, partners are typically in the room during delivery, often alongside a male nurse.

Jaren Fjellman, BSN, RN, and Scott Spacek, BSN, RN, BAS, are among the 5% of men who work in labor and delivery in the United States. Jaren holds the distinction of being the first male NKCH nurse hired in 2021 to provide labor and delivery care. Scott followed a few months later. “NKCH creates a culture where we are just two nurses supported by our coworkers and doctors,” Jaren said. Scott added, “The staff treat us like we belong here, which creates a similar atmosphere for the patients.”

Patients welcome Jaren and Scott as their nurses, which is reflected in the number of patient WOW cards they receive. If there is a patient concern, it’s usually for religious reasons or a past trauma. “Even when they may be initially hesitant, after we build a relationship and rapport and take great care of them, they are usually on board with us being their nurse by the end,” Jaren explained.

For Scott, that moment of patient acceptance is worth it. “There is a special feeling when you know they have chosen to accept you,” he smiled.

Jaren and Scott understand that while it’s important for the patient to feel comfortable, it’s just as important for the patient’s partner to feel at ease. They use clinical terms to describe what they are doing and talk about their own wives and families. “It helps to dissuade their fears, and they feel more relaxed,” Scott said. “We all have the goal of bringing a healthy baby into the world.”

Jaren joined NKCH as a new graduate while Scott came to the team with experience in med/surg, psychiatric and outpatient services. They both feel maternity nursing fits with their nurturing and compassionate personalities. They hope to see more men in their field in the future and welcome the opportunity to mentor male nursing students.

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Kim Shopper

Kim has worked at NKCH for nearly 40 years where she produces the employee newsletter and manages internal campaigns. She is a board member for the Kansas City Health Communicators, and she is passionate about animal rescue and volunteers for the Parkville Animal Shelter.