Men nurses: a historical and feminist perspective

Area of Science:

• History of Nursing
• Gender Studies
• Sociology of Professions

Background:

• Nursing history is predominantly viewed as women's work, marginalizing male nurses.
• Patriarchal structures have historically defined nursing roles, impacting men's participation.
• The perception of male nurses as anomalies persists despite historical evidence of their involvement.

Observation:

• This paper investigates the historical trajectory of men in nursing across Canada, Britain, and the USA.
• It analyzes how gender relations and the societal designation of nursing as 'women's work' have influenced male nurses' careers.
• Literature searches in CINAHL, PubMed, and Sociological Abstracts were conducted using relevant keywords.

Findings:

• Masculinity definitions have historically obstructed men from entering the nursing profession.
• Gender boundaries in nursing become more flexible during crises like wars or severe shortages.
• Men nurses are often concentrated in mental health nursing and masculine-congruent leadership roles.

Implications:

• Recognizing men's contributions is crucial for understanding their professional history and position.
• Acknowledging gender dynamics is vital for addressing the experiences of all nurses.
• A deeper understanding of these social contexts is needed to advance the nursing profession.