Nursing Is a Career for Men: Support for the Rise of Males as Nurses

To explore pre-registration male nursing students' choice of nursing as a career, gender role of a nurse misconceptions and clinical learning experience to inform regional career advice, recruitment, support and shaping the image of a nurse.

An exploratory convergent parallel mixed-method study.

Selected data of pre-registration male nursing students studying in a regional nursing programme was taken from a larger national convergent parallel mixed-method study (n = 1410) involving 16 Australian universities and the Australian College of Nursing. Students were surveyed July-September 2021 using an online survey tool; a 17-item self-report Gender, Attitude and Misconception (GEMINI) scale and a 19-item clinical learning experience (CLEI-19) scale. Qualitative data consisted of responses to three statements.

Pre-registration male nursing students (n = 42). Nursing was a first career choice for most males n = 35 (83.3%). The leading education pathway to nursing was higher school certificate n = 12 (28.6%) and diploma n = 11 (26.2%). Gender misconceptions were higher in Australia-born males compared to males born overseas. Males with previous health-related work experience reported a more positive clinical experience and sense of belonging. Qualitative statements did not evoke responses from all male participants. Themes revealed most males are aware of the professional qualities of a nurse and are treated equally during their clinical experience. The view for many males born in Australia is that male discrimination still exists.

Gender misconceptions of the role of a nurse exist for Australian born males and may reflect the local region cultures' views ingrained from historical epistemes. Males' participation rates in nursing will remain low unless misconceptions of the gender role of the nurse are addressed through a broader societal raised awareness that nursing is a valid career choice for men.

Monitoring pre-registration male nursing students' nursing gender role misconception is a needed indicator to assist in measuring and evaluating the effectiveness of career advice, recruitment strategies and support for males within nursing programmes, and shaping the contemporary image of a nurse.

Australia is experiencing a nursing shortage. Addressing the cultures' misconceptions of the role of the nurse will increase male participation rates and assist in growing the nursing workforce.

Adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines and followed STROBE guidelines.

No Patient or Public Contribution.