Nursing students doing gender: Implications for higher education and the nursing profession

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Sociology of Health
• Gender Studies

Background:

• The average age of women nursing students in Australia is increasing.
• Many students commence university with existing family responsibilities.
• Traditionally gendered roles can attract women to nursing but create stress during studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the gendered behaviors and experiences of women nursing students with children.
• To understand the influence of traditional gender roles on the nursing degree experience.
• To examine the impact of gender role stress on academic performance and well-being.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research design.
• Guided by Gadamer's hermeneutic philosophy.
• Explored experiences of 22 women nursing students with children and partners.

Main Results:

• Traditional gender ideas were nearly universal among participants.
• Participants often prioritized family over university and practiced maternal gatekeeping.
• Gender role stress detrimentally affected study capacity and personal well-being.

Conclusions:

• Traditional gender beliefs hinder nursing students' academic success and well-being.
• Addressing gender role stress is vital for nursing student retention and workforce supply.
• Integrating gender theory into nursing curricula can foster critical thinking and professional development.