Factors Associated With Professional Socialization Among Korean Male Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Sociology of Professions
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Male nurses face unique challenges in South Korea's female-dominated nursing field.
• Professional socialization is crucial for male nurses' development but understudied.
• Understanding influencing factors is vital for supporting this growing demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify individual, interpersonal, and organizational factors associated with professional socialization among male nurses in South Korea.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive correlational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 194 male nurses.
• Data collected via online survey (June-September 2023).
• Hierarchical linear regression analyzed factors including self-efficacy, professional self-concept, social support, nursing work environment, gender role conflict, and clinical experience.

Main Results:

• Self-efficacy, professional self-concept, social support, and a favorable nursing work environment were significant predictors of higher professional socialization.
• Gender role conflict and clinical experience did not significantly predict professional socialization.
• The final model explained 70.5% of the variance in professional socialization (adjusted R² = 0.705).

Conclusions:

• Professional socialization for male nurses is influenced by a combination of individual, interpersonal, and organizational factors.
• Targeted strategies are needed to enhance the professional development and integration of male nurses.
• Healthcare organizations and nurse managers should implement supportive interventions.