Training to do women's work in a man's world

Many student nurses also carry the responsibilities of parenthood, and government has encouraged the recruitment of more mature students to nursing. The majority of nursing recruits continue to be women, but career models are more appropriate to those who do not bear the principal responsibility for childcare, namely men. After reviewing the literature relating to these issues in the National Health Service, the article discusses discrimination against nurses who are parents. An empirical study of a group of mature nursing students on Project 2000 courses is reported, showing that they encounter problems with childcare, support, study, family relationships and inflexibility within nursing education. The article concludes by suggesting a number of points which nurse educators should bear in mind when planning and delivering courses to ensure that the needs of student parents are met.