Publication Details
Juliff, D.,
Russell, K. P.,
&
Bulsara, C.
(2017).
The essence of helping: Significant others and nurses in action draw men into nursing.
Contemporary Nurse, 53 (2), 156-166.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10376178.2016.1254567
Abstract
Background: Nurses are ageing placing nursing workforce sustainability under threat. An untapped potential resource of men in nursing exists within Australia. Objective: The aim of the first phase of this longitudinal study was to investigate why men choose nursing. Design: Qualitative methodological approach used interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).
Research question: “What are the experiences of male graduate nurses regarding their career choice?”
Method: The IPA method focused on personal subjective experience where the participants’ own sense-making is important. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a format relevant to IPA. Participants: Purposeful snowball sampling recruited nine nurses.
Findings: The “essence of helping” permeated the key theme through significant others and career choice triggers impacting on their decision to enter nursing.
Conclusion: Exposure to nurses in action is purported to enhance the awareness of nursing as a career option for men that may contribute to increased recruitment of men into nursing.
Keywords
motivators; helping; significant others; career choice triggers; men in nursing
