Learning to care: gender issues for male nursing students

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Qualitative Research
• Gender Studies

Background:

• The underrepresentation of men in nursing presents unique challenges.
• Understanding the experiences of male nursing students is crucial for improving retention and education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of male nursing students.
• To investigate how gender influences the process of learning to care in nursing.

Main Methods:

• Phenomenological research design.
• Data collection through paradigm case narratives and interviews.
• Data analysis using analysis, synthesis, criticism, and understanding.

Main Results:

• Learning to care is a complex process influenced by gender dynamics.
• Male students' experiences are shaped by personal history, faculty/staff expectations, and evolving understanding of gendered care.
• Gender of student, patient, teacher, and nurse are integral to the learning-to-care experience.

Conclusions:

• Gender significantly impacts male nursing students' educational journey.
• Nursing education must address gender-based issues to support diverse student populations.
• Further research is needed to explore gender's role in nursing practice and education.