Attracting men to nursing: Is graduate entry an answer?

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Men's Health
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Addressing the underrepresentation of men in nursing is crucial for workforce diversity.
• Graduate entry nursing programs are being explored as a strategy to increase male participation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the motivations of men enrolling in a graduate entry nursing program in New Zealand.
• To identify key themes influencing men's decisions to enter the nursing profession through this specific pathway.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing thematic analysis.
• Data collected from the first three intakes of a graduate entry nursing program.
• Analysis focused on understanding the reasons for men's enrollment.

Main Results:

• Two primary themes emerged: 'in search of a satisfying career' and 'the time was right'.
• Subthemes for career satisfaction included seeking fulfillment through helping people and desiring a career with options.
• Subthemes for 'the time was right' included life stage and course suitability.

Conclusions:

• Graduate entry nursing programs may effectively attract men to the profession.
• Motivations for men include career fulfillment and helping others, rather than traditional career progression.
• Findings can inform strategies to enhance male recruitment in nursing.