When it comes time to make a career decision, more men are considering nursing. Nationwide, males make up more than six percent of nurses, while at Valpo’s College of Nursing about nine percent of nursing students are men.

Junior Paul Heinkel has found he fits right in with that growing segment.

“It was an easy decision to come to Valpo,” says Heinkel, who plays second base for the University’s baseball team. “I knew Valpo’s reputation as a great nursing program, and I wanted to play baseball. I found the best of both worlds right here.”

For the native of Fond Du Lac, Wis., the choice to be a nurse was rooted in family and a personal calling.

“My sister is a nurse and she is a big part of my life, and that influenced me,” says Heinkel. “I also love the medical field and being around people, so nursing was the obvious choice.”

Learning at Valpo’s College of Nursing is hands-on and involves constant interaction, Heinkel says. That includes learning how to give injections, insert catheters and provide other basic care for patients.

“Even though all of that is very interesting, I think the most important thing that I have learned so far is simply how to interact with a patient,” Heinkel says. “As a nurse, it is our job to give care to our patients, but sometimes just interacting and talking with your patient is most important.”

As a male nursing student, Heinkel feels strong support from his professors who also help him to balance the demands of nursing and baseball.

“Even though balancing baseball and nursing is tough, with the help of my professors I find a way to play ball and do well in school,” Heinkel says. “When I have to travel to compete, they are always working with me to schedule makeup exams and give me ideas on how to keep up with my homework.”