GALVESTON, Texas - In a profession traditionally dominated by women, one man is receiving some extra attention for being a nurse: He is Mr. January in a calendar that features male nurses.
The 2008 "Men in Nursing" calendar, published by the bimonthly journal "Men in Nursing," features nurses from across the nation, as well as the history of male nursing, and Bill Benyi is honored to be Mr. January.
"It's been fun," said Benyi. "I've received some good-natured ribbing."
Benyi has worked in the Infant Special Care Unit at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston for 23 years, providing his expertise and care to babies in neonatal intensive care.
"Coming out of college, I wasn't sure what area of nursing I wanted to go into, but then I met the babies," said Benyi. "They are truly special patients who really depend on you to give the best care you can give."
Infants receiving care in the ISCU are very small, often weighing only 2 pounds. They need special nurturing to help them develop before they are able to go home. "We really do work miracles here," Benyi said.
Of the 12 photos in the calendar, the one of Benyi is unique because it shows him actually caring for one of his patients. In fact, the photographer snapped Benyi's picture just after an infant's monitor indicated distress. Without hesitation, Benyi reached into the crib and began providing the compassionate care he's been giving his "special patients" for more than two decades. And that picture became Mr. January.
For more information, or to order the calendar, call (800) 638-3030. Quantities are limited and come with the December 2007 issue of the "Men in Nursing" journal. The cost is $9, plus shipping.