Perceptions of an Obstetric Clinical Rotation by Nursing Students Who Are Men

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Men's Health Experiences
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Maternity nursing is often perceived as unwelcoming by male nursing students.
• Limited research exists on the experiences of male nursing students in obstetric clinical rotations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the experiences of male nursing students before, during, and after obstetric clinical rotations.
• To understand the factors influencing male students' perceptions of maternity nursing.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing individual interviews.
• Existential phenomenology employed for transcript analysis by a three-person team.
• Recorded and transcribed interviews for in-depth analysis.

Main Results:

• Seven male nursing students participated in the study.
• Four major themes emerged: preconceptions, welcoming, perceived rejection (both giving and receiving), and maternity unit culture.
• Students' comfort levels with maternity nursing influenced their perceptions.

Conclusions:

• The study contributes to the limited knowledge regarding male nursing students' experiences in maternity settings.
• Findings may help explain why men sometimes feel unwelcome in women's health nursing.
• Highlights the need for supportive environments for male nursing students in obstetrics.