Publication Details
Stanley, D.,
Beament, T.,
Falconer, D.,
Haigh, M.,
Saunders, R.,
Stanley, K.,
Wall, P.,
&
Nielson, S.
(2016).
The male of the species: a profile of men in nursing.
Journal of Advanced Nursing, 72 (5), 1155-1168.
Abstract
Aim: To establish a profile of men in nursing in Western Australia and explore the perception of men in nursing from the perspective of male and female nurses.
Background: A project team, including some of the current authors, produced a YouTube video and DVD about men in nursing which led to further inquiry on this topic.
Design: The study employed a non-experimental, comparative, descriptive research design focused on a quantitative methodology, using an online survey in early 2014.
Method: A convenience sample incorporated registered and enrolled nurses and midwives in Western Australia.
Findings: The range of data included demographic information and the respondents’ perceptions of men in nursing were collected. Findings indicated that the main reasons for choosing a career in nursing or midwifery were similar for both genders. Common mis-perceptions of men in nursing included: most male nurses are gay; men are not suited to nursing and men are less caring and compassionate than women. Suggestions to promote nursing to men included: nurses are highly skilled professionals; there is the potential to make a difference for patients; nursing offers stable employment, professional diversity and opportunities for team work. There is a diminished awareness of opportunities for men in nursing and negative stereotypes related to men in nursing persist.
Conclusion: The study produced recommendations which included: using the right message to target the recruitment for men and promoting a more realistic understanding of the profile and perception of men in nursing.
Keywords
men in nursing, quantitative research, survey, workforce issues, nursing labour markets
Link to Publisher Version (URL)
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jan.12905/abstract
Summary Statement
Stanley_et_al_2016_TheMale_Tables&figures.pdf (266 kB)
Tables and Figures
