Abstract
This study explored men's experiences in nursing. A qualitative research design was utilized to examine (a) the stressors experienced by male nurses, (b) the strategies male nurses use to cope with these stressors, (c) the factors that motivate men to pursue a career in nursing and (d) what motivates men to remain in the profession. Six participants were conveniently and purposively selected from a range of nursing positions including cardiac, intensive care unit, theater, and general nursing to participate in semi-structured interviews detailing their experiences. Thematic analysis of the interview data revealed that male nurses still experience gender role conflict, feelings of exclusion, and numerous other stressors working in a female-dominated occupation. Despite these challenges, participants reported that they experienced a great sense of satisfaction in their nursing careers. Further development of educational programs aimed at challenging and breaking down the perceived social stigma regarding men entering the profession may assist in recruiting more men into nursing roles. At a broader policy level, the development of more effective strategies to prevent and manage stress may assist health care agencies to deliver more gender diverse care and retain more men in the profession.
Highlights
The proportion of men entering nursing remains relatively low, at least partially due to deeply ingrained cultural and historical views of nursing as a female profession.[1]
Male nurses in the present study experienced a degree of gender role conflict working in a nursing role
An interesting finding amongst the present sample of male nurses was that they did not directly identify the significant women in their lives who worked as nurses as role models
Summary
The proportion of men entering nursing remains relatively low, at least partially due to deeply ingrained cultural and historical views of nursing as a female profession.[1]. Research pertaining to occupational stress in nursing has been extensive.[5] The emotional demands of interacting with families during times of illness, the physicality of the work, combined with excessive workloads, limited resources, increased patient acuity, and increasing numbers of health care consumers makes nursing a. While many studies have explored occupational stress and coping in nurses, fewer studies have explored the link between gender and experiences of stress and coping
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