Exploring the perceptions of male nursing students enrolled in an accelerated baccalaureate degree nursing program

Abstract

Objective: To gain understanding about the factors that drew men to an accelerated baccalaureate degree nursing program, the challenges they faced, and the support they need to complete the program. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study explored the perceptions of male nursing students enrolled in an accelerated baccalaureate degree nursing program. The study design used semi-structured questions in a focus group format comprised of a sample of male nursing students currently enrolled in the ABSN program of a southeastern academic health sciences center. Relatively few studies have examined male nursing students, and those enrolled in a non-traditional program typically have unique circumstances. The significance of this study to nursing science is that the results will add to the growing body of knowledge regarding the recruitment and retention of males into nursing schools. Results: Following data analysis, four themes emerged from the participant responses related to sacrifice, knowledge gain, organization for survival, and opportunities for men in nursing. Conclusions: The results of this study highlight the attraction of accelerated BSN programs since many men opt for nursing as a second career choice. Results of this study may be used to improve recruitment and retention of male nursing students.

Exploring the Contextual Factors Surrounding the Recruitment and Retention of Men in a Baccalaureate Nursing Program

“…Traditionally, the caring and nurturing aspect of nursing has been associated with women and femininity, which is reinforced by the continued low number of men in nursing 1 . While the number of males in nursing is increasing 1,2 males remain a minority worldwide accounting for approximately 10% of the nursing workforce 3‐6 . While other professions, such as medicine and engineering have made advances in addressing gender inequities, nursing has been unsuccessful in this regard.…”

“…In reviewing the literature, several common themes emerge as factors that negatively affect the recruitment of men into nursing: perception of nursing, public perception of men in nursing, and the influence of significant others 4,7 . The stereotypical belief that nursing is a female profession, not suitable for men, continues to influence the decisions of men to decline nursing as a career choice 2,5 .…”

Perception towards Male Enrolment in Nursing among High School Students at Selected Schools of Bharatpur, Chitwan

“…Our finding regarding the consideration of other profession other than nursing is consistent with the finding reported in USA where male students' represented nursing as a second career while majority were likely to consider profession such as physical therapist and military. 16 Similarly, MP Maloni, (1995) reported that majority 78.6% did not view nursing as a career preference while only 8.6% high school students' responded nursing as a career option. 17 This might be attributed to the fact that there might be vast array of career opportunities with regards to choosing a profession which might decrease the interest among high school students in nursing.…”

Frustrations Facing Male Nursing Students in Maternity Curriculum, Assiut University and Their Life Satisfaction

“…Women continue to be dominate nursing (Men in nursing, 2013). Admission regulation among faculties and schools of nursing since nightingale movement of modernize nursing, males were excluded from entering career (Eswia & EL-Sayed, 2011).For a long time, there were lack of desire and interest among students in Egypt to study nursing because of the stigma of nursing profession which may plays one of the most important obstacles for choosing nursing career (Conner, 2016). In 2011, 91% of nurses were women and only 9% were men (Men in nursing, 2013).…”