The analysis of male nursing students and professionally active male nurses’ opinions on the presence of men in the nursing profession

Abstract

Background: Since the 19th century nursing has been dominated by female nurses. Although the evolution of men into nursing profession has increased recently, the presence of male nurses still surprises patients. Despite the stereotype, more and more men replenish the nursing staf. Aim of the study: The main goal of the conducted research is to get to know male nursing students and male nurses’ opinions on the topic of the profession chosen by them, as well as to discover the level of satisfaction they derive from their work.Materials and methods: The research is based on the diagnostic poll method carried out according to the authorial questionnaire which consisted of 20 one-choice questions and one which required indicating three answers. He anonymous survey was directed to male nurses and male nursing students. 60 people took part in the research: 42 male nurses and 18 male students of nursing. Results: 47 respondents feel satisfaction derived from their work. 45% of respondents would choose nursing again if they could decide about their career one more time. 66.7% of the examined male nurses are pleased with their earnings, but 46.2 % of them work in a few places. The questionnaire in 53.3 % showed that they had chosen the profession of the male nurse, because they wanted to work in medical profession, and in the 25% they acknowledged that nursing was a perfect profession for them.Conclusions: During the research a low percentage of male nurses was observed in health care teams. Therefore, it should suggest a bigger promotion of this profession among men. The analysis of the results showed, moreover, that there is a need to continue examinations concerning the issue, in the aim of identifying possible problems and increasing the awareness of the society and potential students.Keywords: male nurse, student, man, nursing