Men in Nursing

Abstract

This literature review examines the ability of the nursing profession to recruit and retain men in nursing schools and in the nursing workforce. The authors consider such educational barriers as role stress, discrimination, and stereotyping, and explore questions of male touch and the capacity of men to care. In identifying challenges faced by men entering or working in a profession in which women predominate, the authors hope to promote actions on the part of nurse leaders, educators, and researchers that may address issues of sex bias and promote greater sexual diversity within nursing.

“Nursing is no place for men” ― A thematic analysis of male nursing students experiences of undergraduate nursing education

“…MacWilliams et al [32] (p41) indeed identified these boundaries in certain situations for example in the obstetric unit where -"male nursing students who had completed their obstetrics rotation reported fearing that their touch would be perceived as sexual rather than professional and said they tended to seek help from female colleagues when performing intimate assessments." This was undoubtedly the impression Isaacs & Poole's [2] (1996) earlier work discovered.…”

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

“…For example, MacWilliams, Schmidt, and Bleich [2] and Meadus and Twomey [3] identified attrition or retention as one challenge. Meadus and Twomey [3] mentioned support of family, friends, classmates, and faculty as reasons for continuing through graduation.…”

“…[1] On the other hand, females comprise nearly 50% of all medical school enrollees, a field previously dominated by men. [2] Further, women are increasingly moving into other more lucrative professional careers, thereby reducing the nursing workforce pool. Estimates are that the nursing shortage will continue to grow as more baby-boomer nurses move toward retirement.…”

“…One recent literature review identified attrition, role strain, and isolation among a variety of challenges men face in nursing. [2] They also discussed challenges such as sexual stereotyping, sexual differences in expressions of caring, and suspicions surrounding intimate touch. In truth, nursing has always been perceived as "women's work".…”

“…[4] Meanwhile, attrition rates among male nursing students exceed those of female students. [2] Thus, the problem is how to improve recruitment and retention of male nursing students in order to increase the number of male nurses in the workforce.…”