Registered male: a discussion on men in the nursing profession

Abstract

The aim of this discussion paper is to alert the profession to issues surrounding men in nursing. There is a historical connection between men and the nursing profession; men having served as nurses long before Florence Nightingale. Literature suggests that women and men enter the nursing profession for the same reasons, however the paths which lead men to nursing differ. Feminist sociologists express alarm at the disproportionate number of males in managerial nursing positions and hold that this may have negative consequences for the profession. Male and female patients have a definite preference in regards to the gender of their nurse. Issues surrounding this preference will be explored.

Key Words:

• male nurses
• patient’s perspective
• caring