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

Although the number of male nurses is steadily increasing in South Korea, nursing remains a female-dominated profession, and male nurses continue to face unique social and organizational challenges. Professional socialization plays a critical role in their professional development, yet little is known about the factors that influence this process among male nurses.

To identify individual, interpersonal, and organizational factors associated with professional socialization among Korean male nurses.

A descriptive correlational, cross-sectional study.

Data from 194 male nurses working in hospitals were analyzed through an online survey conducted between June and September 2023. The independent variables included four individual factors (e.g., self-efficacy, professional self-concept, gender role conflict, and clinical experience), one interpersonal factor (e.g., social support), and one organizational factor (e.g., nursing work environment). Hierarchical linear regression was used to identify factors associated with professional socialization.

In the final hierarchical linear regression model (adjusted R² = 0.705), self-efficacy, professional self-concept, social support, and a more favorable nursing work environment were independently associated with higher professional socialization, whereas gender role conflict and clinical experience were not significant predictors.

This study highlights the multidimensional nature of professional socialization among male nurses, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts at individual, interpersonal, and organizational levels.

Nurse managers and healthcare organizations should consider targeted strategies (such as mentorship programs, peer support networks, and inclusive workplace policies) to enhance professional socialization among male nurses.