Men in Nursing: Male Nurses Want “male” Removed From Their Job Title To End Stereotype By Linda
They also want people to stop assuming they are gay, a medical student or the resident doctor.
A study undertaken to address ways to boost nurse retention, which also examined the challenges faced by men in the traditionally female-dominated role, found while men enjoyed the job, many encountered gender stereotypes ranging from assumptions about their sexuality to their actual role.
While more men were entering the profession, numbers remained small — about 10 per cent of nurses in NSW — with the job still seen as more of a female vocation.
One nurse claimed he was met with hostility within the hospital, with both patients and nurses in a mother and baby unit questioning his presence.
The study, published in the latest edition of the Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, said men wanted the role “defeminised” to improve society’s acceptance of men in the role.
It said the recruitment and retention of male nurses would become increasingly important in ensuring a sustainable workforce as the population aged.
Nurses interviewed as part of the study revealed how they often lied about their job in public, stating they worked in “health” or the public service to avoid surprised looks or teasing.
The study recommended nurse educators and the curriculum adopt a “gender-neutral stance”.
It also called for the adoption of a professional title accepted by both women and men that led to a reduction of men being viewed as a “gender minority” together with the establishment of male support groups.
St George Hospital Emergency Department nurse Ryan Kloger studied nursing with a view to becoming a paramedic long-term.
After five years, including two in emergency, he has no plans to leave.
“I find it’s a really rewarding job and it makes me really proud to be a nurse,” Mr Kloger said.
