Paul Cramer, 27, and Dan Cramer, 25, are brothers and nurses.
Their mother, Nancy, had a dream to be a nurse. But her dream was unfulfilled after a tragic car accident a day after Christmas left her blind. The 17-year-old Beatrice hospital candy-striper was with her 19-year old boyfriend, who later became her husband and Paul and Dan’s father.
Paul, who works as a nurse in Omaha, graduated from the UNMC College of Nursing last year and currently is enrolled in the college’s family nurse practitioner’s program. Dan graduates from UNMC on Friday with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and will work at The Nebraska Medical Center. He recently was accepted into UNMC’s family nurse practitioner program.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 1970, about 2.7 percent of registered nurses were men, compared with 9.6 percent in 2011. About 10 percent of students enrolled in the UNMC College of Nursing are males.
The two are living their mother’s dream.
“It’s been a real blessing to be able to make our parents happy,” Paul said. “My mother’s visual impairment exposed me to the amazing capabilities of the human body at a very early age. Since high school I knew I wanted to get into some area of health care.”
Like many, he first thought nursing was a profession for women. “Sure, there’s a stereotype. But I have seen a lot of male nurses. It’s a well-respected profession. I just love it. I couldn’t be happier with my choice.”
Both said the stigma of being a male in nursing is fading.
“I remember a nursing school instructor saying you are going to have issues with patients who don’t want a male nurse. I can honestly say no patients have said that,” said Paul, a Nebraska Wesleyan grad.
Dan, also a Wesleyan grad, said when people find out he’s a nurse, they ask questions of a different sort.
“All of a sudden, they feel very comfortable asking me to look at various ailments that they have been having,” he said.
He loves the interaction in nursing.
“It’s rewarding to be there with patients. They can count on me to make their hospital stay as enjoyable as possible. I love being the person who helps take care of someone during what probably isn’t the high point in their life.
“We were raised to be caring and helpful to others,” Dan said. “I have always wanted to take care of others. Nursing allows me to do that both physically, emotionally, and spiritually.”
I love to read articles like this! You can always spot a genuine smile when the eyes are smiling too!
My nephews! I'm so proud of these young men and my sister and brother in law have been a gift always in my life…
How wonderful. Paul and Dan, knowing you and your parents is realizing how important and close your family ties are and the influence that of all of your family has had on your life decisions. You have super parents that gave you life and love and that dream of helping others. You are a super set of brothers!! All of your patients will be blessed! Doggonit and you're both so good looking,, too. : )
Our best to you all, Burnie and Marge