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Monday, 31 October 2011: 10:20 AM
Learning Objective 1: The learner will increase their understanding of issues faced by men in nursing
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to consider strategies to increase the number of males in the nursing profession.
In terms of gender in nursing men represent only 5.8% of registered nurses in Canade(CIHI, 2008). Consequently, men remain an undertapped resource in the discipline where they should reflect the diversity of the public it serves (Sherrod, Sherrod & Rasch, 2006).Using qualitative methodology three focus groups were held in different geographic regions of Ontario with men working in hospital positions. Specific research questions focused on a) the reasons for them entering the profession; b)the extent to which male RNs expressed satisfaction or dissatisfaction with various components of their work as nurses, and c) how their satisfaction/dissatisfaction related to their intentions to stay or leave their jobs in the profession. Participants were recruited through word of mouth and snowballing techniques. All interviews were audio taped and transcribed verbatum. N Vivo was used to code and sort the data and emerging themes identified. Results indicated that while many of the men interviewed expressed satisfaction in their choice of nursing as a career they also spoke of challenges they encountered; for example, being regarded as "muscle power"; being centered as a "male" in nursing and not as a nurse and receiving negative comments about their sexuality. These challenges may be factors influencing their intentions to leave and/or remain in the profession, or their current position. In conclusion, strategies will be identified to assist nurse recruiters and administrators in their efforts to support men in the profession. These include ways to enhance positive practice environments to support men and provide a more equitable environment of men and women in nursing.