Nursing students’ perception of gender-defined roles in nursing: a qualitative descriptive study

Abstract

Background Gender stereotypes influence both women and men who work as nurses as well as individuals considering nursing as a profession. The aim of this study was to explore male and female nursing students’ experiences and perspectives regarding gender-defined roles as well as how they view their future professional roles. Methods The study used a descriptive qualitative design. A convenience sample included 72 full-time second- and third-year undergraduate nursing students. Data were collected in 2017 using a self-administered qualitative questionnaire consisting of 11 essay-type questions. As an additional data collection method, a drawing method was applied. The data were analysed by content analysis separately for the male and female perspectives. Results Altogether, eight themes emerged, with half explaining the male and the other half the female students’ perspectives. Students choose nursing for altruistic, opportunistic and organisational reasons. Among the female students, another reason “family and social incentives” was also identified. Female students’ vision of their future professional role included altruism and positive representations of ‘being a nurse’, whereas the male students’ vision included management and leadership, and technical aspects of nursing. Conclusions Both male and female nursing students face the limits of their own gender roles, yet they are prepared to challenge these gender-based perceptions. Tackling stereotypes and raising public awareness, using gender-inclusive language and strategies for recruitment, ensuring gender diversity in nursing teams and revising the nursing curriculum where appropriate, are just some of the implications that arise to help overcome gender differences.

Are men treated differently in clinical placements during nursing studies? A cross‐sectional study

“…The association of caring being an attribute of women and not men has been portrayed throughout literature; however, caring should be regarded as a universal human attribute regardless of gender (Carnevale & Priode, 2018; Kronsberg et al, 2018). Prosen (2022) reported that women's perceptions of men in nursing were largely to do with physical strength and their positive contribution to a better team dynamic. Essentially there is a degree of gender blindness, a lack of insight from some women that fails to recognise the negative treatment men may have received during placement (e.g.…”

Technical Readiness and Stereotypes in Hospital Nursing—A Question of Gender and Age?

“…In the past, nursing became a profession especially associated with gender convictions. Studies pointed out a social image describing the nursing profession as a female and caring activity [ 1 , 3 , 5 ]. The stereotypical prejudices that nurses just perform caring tasks are a barrier for any expansion of their activities and responsibilities [ 3 , 6 ], especially important in the context of digitization and digital competencies.…”

“…The stereotypical prejudices that nurses just perform caring tasks are a barrier for any expansion of their activities and responsibilities [ 3 , 6 ], especially important in the context of digitization and digital competencies. The same applies to the altruistic, empathic and traditional role model of nurses [ 5 ]. Furthermore, there are also judgments about less competence among older nurses [ 7 , 8 ].…”

A peek behind the curtain: An integrative review of sexual harassment of nursing students on clinical placement

“…Internationally, women make up the majority of the nursing workforce comprising 88% in Australia and the United States (AACN, 2017;NMBA, 2021), 90% in the United Kingdom (Royal College of Nursing, 2020) and around 98% in China (Prosen, 2022).…”

“…Internationally, women make up the majority of the nursing workforce comprising 88% in Australia and the United States (AACN, 2017 ; NMBA, 2021 ), 90% in the United Kingdom (Royal College of Nursing, 2020 ) and around 98% in China (Prosen, 2022 ). As sexual harassment is often directed towards females (Ganapathy, 2018 ; Lee et al, 2011 ), female‐dominated professions such as nursing may carry a higher burden of sexual harassment (Durana et al, 2018 ).…”