Graduation Year
2023
Document Type
Senior Thesis
Degree
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Primary Major
Nursing
Primary Minor
Psychology
Thesis Advisor
Patricia Harris, PhD, RN, CNS
Abstract
Background
The field of nursing has been a predominantly female profession since the introduction of modern nursing by Florence Nightingale in 1860. While more men are beginning to enter the field, there are still many stereotypes surrounding the role of a nurse. For women, this may include qualities such as caring and being empathetic or motherly. Conversely, there are assumptions that men are unable to bestow those same qualities and are therefore unworthy of working within the occupation. Female nurses may experience difficulty progressing professionally or feel that their male counterparts are more favored. Male nurses may observe that the female dominated space is difficult to assimilate into. Both men and women face the challenges of being a nurse in traditional patriarchal societies around the world.
Objective
This literature review will investigate the impacts of gender stereotypes and patriarchal values within the nursing profession.
Literature Review
There are many similarities between the various studies used. Male nurses and nursing students complained that their culture's word for “nurse” directly translates to a female title. Females within the profession explained it is easier for men to progress professionally, and are often favored by instructors and managers. The men described their frustration with being refused by female patients, or being looked down upon for joining a female dominated profession. Specific and general issues that men and women faced are explored.
Proposal
Six articles were collected for this literature review utilizing the CINAHL Complete database. After reviewing the literature, a proposal for a further mixed-methods and longitudinal research study is presented using a purposive sample with male high school students.