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Chamberlain University graduate Macartie St. Louis is forging a meaningful path in nursing by blending talent, compassion and a commitment to inclusivity.
“I want to see those around me healthy, striving and doing their best. Nursing isn’t just about taking care of people; it’s about being an advocate for your community and being inclusive of all communities,” says Cartie, as he’s known to his friends. “Representation matters. I want to help inspire and propel other diverse people to pursue their dreams as well.”
Cartie, who earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Chamberlain’s Miramar, Florida, campus in 2023, is among the growing number of men in nursing. Yet even though male nurses have been part of the profession for centuries, male nurse percentages remain low, representing just 11.2% of the nursing workforce.1 According to a 2023–2024 American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) report, men comprised 13% of students in BSN programs and 12% of students in Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs.2
Having more men in nursing brings benefits to patients, the nursing profession and male nurses themselves. A diverse workforce brings fresh perspectives, enhances communication and builds stronger patient trust, especially for those who may feel more comfortable with a male nurse. Nursing offers a variety of career paths and specializations, providing opportunities in hospitals, clinics and more. And as one of the most trusted professions, nursing allows individuals to make a meaningful impact on patient care and community health.
Guided by Family and Purpose
A sense of purpose and the passion to make a difference in his community helped guide Cartie to nursing, a goal that was supported and inspired by family, particularly his aunt, who was a nurse.
“Her message to me was to always be great in whatever you do, to be successful. So, I’ve applied that to nursing.”
His approach to patient care is simple and compassionate: “Patients are human beings and need to be treated with respect,” he says. “That’s someone’s daughter, father or grandfather you’re taking care of.”
That is how he approaches health equity as well: Every patient, those under his direct care as well as all patients in the unit, deserves fair and equal care.
Facing Challenges During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic tested Cartie’s resilience, especially after losing his beloved aunt to the coronavirus. Despite the grief, fear and challenges, he remained steadfast in his purpose.
“I remember my first COVID patient. I was scared, but I reminded myself this is what nurses do. We’re brave, and we save people,” he says.
That bravery not only strengthened his resolve but also shaped his perspective on the importance of treating every patient with dignity and compassion. He recalls the moment a patient smiled during their conversation. “I came out of that room better than I went in.”
Mindful and self-aware, Cartie keeps his eyes focused on his future and legacy. “It’s important to me that I am a role model for other African American students and nurses,” he says. “The standards that I'm setting for myself, I’m also setting for others who will follow in my footsteps.”
Amid the ongoing nursing shortage,3 Cartie’s dedication to the profession and commitment to empowering other nurses is more crucial than ever. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 6% growth in the employment of registered nurses by 2033,3 highlighting the increasing demand for skilled professionals. Jobs for male nurses offer opportunities to provide exceptional patient care while challenging stereotypes.
Looking to the Future
Cartie sees himself as a role model for Black students and nurses, hoping to inspire others to see nursing as a rewarding and impactful career. Creating a network of diverse healthcare professionals is one of Cartie’s key focuses.
“By the time I retire from the nursing industry, I will have assumed leadership positions, perhaps focused on a specialty like nurse anesthesia, or even have become a medical doctor,” he says. “I want to inspire and propel other diverse people to pursue their dreams as well.”
A favorite quote from Frederick Douglass captures Cartie’s philosophy: “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”
“Progress is a child of struggle,” Cartie says. “If you see progress in somebody, it’s because at one point they had a struggle that they overcame.”
Before enrolling in Chamberlain’s BSN degree program, becoming a nurse was just a dream for Cartie. He had the desire but knew the journey would be long and arduous: “I thought to myself, I have all these struggles. How am I going to overcome them?”
He says he approached the challenges with determination and resolve, taking it one day at a time and trying to be 1% better than he was the day before.
“Now when I’m faced with a struggle, I sit down, I take some time, I meditate on it and I figure out a way I can tackle it. Out of that struggle will come progression.”
Cartie wants others to overcome their doubts and to follow their hearts. His advice? “If you’re dreaming of becoming a nurse, go for it. The fact that you’re dreaming it means you can already see yourself in those scrubs.”
Earn Your BSN With Flexibility at Chamberlain
Chamberlain’s BSN degree program offers a flexible and dynamic path to a rewarding nursing career.
The accredited university tailors its learning options to fit your busy life. Choose hybrid learning at one of Chamberlain’s more than 20 campus locations, or the fully online option, which gives you the flexibility to study on your own schedule, wherever you have an internet connection.
Designed for adult professionals, Chamberlain’s 3-year BSN program offers multiple start dates throughout the year and equips its nursing school with robust student services. These resources include professional and peer nurse tutors, dedicated and responsive faculty, and NCLEX® exam preparation. The 24/7 Center for Academic Success and the Student Assistance Program ready to help provide support throughout the nursing journey.
Chamberlain, the largest school of nursing in the U.S., also has the country’s largest BSN degree program. You can learn more online or by calling 877.751.5783. Join Chamberlain’s bachelor’s in nursing program and accrue the skills and knowledge you need to achieve your nursing goals and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Chamberlain University, an HLC-accredited institution, offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and certificate programs in nursing and healthcare professions. With a growing network of campuses and robust online programs, Chamberlain continues to build on more than 130 years of excellence in preparing extraordinary healthcare professionals.
1Source: www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/nursing-workforce-fact-sheet
2Source: www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/0/PDFs/Fact-Sheets/Enhancing-Diversity-Factsheet.pdf
3Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-6
By Chamberlain University
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