[Nursing Through a Gender Lens: Career Challenges and Development Opportunities for Male Nurses]

Men remain a significant minority in the nursing workforce, which not only influences workforce dynamics but also patient care preferences, professional representation, and gender diversity. This review was conducted to synthesize the relevant literature and examine male nurses' motivations to enter nursing, their career expectations, their career challenges, and directions for career support within the cultural and practice contexts of Taiwan. The findings show that men often choose nursing based on perceived job stability, altruistic values, opportunities for professional achievement, and financial security. However, throughout the nursing education process, transition to clinical practice, and medium- to long-term career development, male nurses may face limited access to role models and career guidance, career interruptions caused by compulsory military service, gender-stereotyped work assignments, salary and family financial pressures, and restricted opportunities for promotion and career advancement. These challenges may weaken their professional identity and confidence in long-term commitment, leading them to view nursing as a short-term job rather than a sustainable professional career. To promote equitable career development and sustained retention among male nurses, clear and diverse career pathways and professional role models should be established, gender-sensitive career support should be provided, and working conditions and professional autonomy should be improved. Policies and organizations should move beyond simply working to increase the number of males in nursing. They should actively target the elimination of gender-based institutional barriers with the goal of enabling nurses of all genders to develop according to their abilities, interests, and career goals.