Busting through stereotypes isn’t easy. Just ask Devan Moxley Teigrob, one of a growing number of young men pursuing a career in nursing.

Nursing isn't a traditional career choice for men, what made you choose it?
Nursing is a lot bigger than people realize. The image of a female nurse in scrubs is just one part of nursing. There are also nurses in regular clothes working in the community. That’s what I’m most interested in. I think nursing care at the community level is pivotal, because if we take care of people at that basic level, we can prevent acute care in the long-run.

What was nursing school like?
A lot of work – and tough to get into. Even with an 89.4% average in high school, I was on a wait list. I was accepted into the NEPS program, so I had my first two years at SIAST and my last two years at the University of Saskatchewan. At SIAST, first year is September to April and second year is the same but with practicums in May and June. At the U of S, third year is a standard year with classes, labs and several clinical placements. In fourth year, you do a semester of classes then two senior practicums. The practicums are each six weeks of full time work, plus you still have to do research and journaling for school.

When did you know you were in the right program?
After my first year, I remember thinking, ‘wow, I have job security for the rest of my life!’ There are tons of opportunities. And it’s the most rewarding career you could ever hope for. The impact I’ve had on people’s lives and their impact on my life is unbelievable.

How did you find a job?
I was very fortunate. My first senior practicum was at the Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre for Mental Health in Saskatoon. The entire six weeks I was there, I could see myself doing this. They suggested I submit an application, and now I work at the Centre as a registered nurse.

What is the most indispensable skill in your work?
You need to be a caring person, but you also need to know your boundaries. I’ve met nurses who cared so much they didn’t know where to draw the line. That leads to burn out. I remember my first year at SIAST we had a class on self development. I thought, ‘what a crock. I didn’t come here to take fluff classes.’ Now, I can appreciate their value.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
My goal is to work alongside at-risk youth in the community. I would love to be providing front line nursing care, to work with kids and teens where they’re really at — on the streets dealing with addictions and mental health issues.

Any advice for guys, or girls, looking at nursing?
Don’t fool yourself into thinking you can float by in school, even if you got good marks in high school. I tried and it didn’t work so well. Also, you’ll be dealing with traumatic, stressful and sometimes terrible situations, so you need to take care of your own health. I have a wonderful family, an extremely supportive wife and an amazing church family. If I didn’t have that, I don’t think I’d be able to do this job.

return to top