Nursing: the lesser of two evils.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Sociology of Gender
• Healthcare Professions

Background:

• The integration of community health officer and nursing curricula created a unique environment for male students.
• This study addresses the underrepresentation of men in nursing and the specific challenges they face.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore motivational factors, support systems, and barriers for male nursing students.
• To investigate the perceptions and images of nursing and caring among male nursing students.
• To understand the gender-based challenges in integrating male students into a traditionally female profession.

Main Methods:

• Phenomenological study design.
• In-depth exploration of the experiences of 15 new Turkish male nursing students.
• Qualitative data analysis to identify emergent themes.

Main Results:

• Key themes identified include 'guarantee of work' and 'nursing: the lesser of two evils' influencing career choice.
• Challenges encountered by male students encompass 'bothering' and 'teasing and supporting' dynamics.
• Societal perceptions of nursing as a 'women's job' and 'male nurses: non-traditional' highlight traditional barriers.

Conclusions:

• Male nursing students are motivated by practical factors and societal perceptions.
• Significant gender-based challenges exist in socializing male students into nursing.
• Addressing these challenges is crucial for promoting gender diversity in the nursing profession.