Male Nurses . The challenging industry

 

Introduction

The nursing profession has long been considered a predominantly female occupation. However, over the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of male nurses in the industry. In this article, we will explore the changing trends of nursing and the rise of male nurses in the profession.

Changing Trends of Nursing The nursing profession has experienced significant changes over the past few decades. Historically, nursing was considered a female-dominated profession, with few men entering the field. However, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of male nurses. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the proportion of male nurses in the industry has increased from 7.7% in 2011 to 9.7% in 2020 (AIHW, 2020).

The reasons for the increase in male nurses are complex and varied. The removal of gender barriers and increased awareness of diversity and inclusivity have contributed to more men considering nursing as a career. Additionally, the nursing profession offers many opportunities for professional development, job security, and flexible work arrangements, making it an attractive career option for both men and women.

Benefits of Male Nurses in the Industry The increasing number of male nurses in the industry has several benefits. Male nurses bring a unique perspective to patient care and can offer a different approach to patient care that can complement that of female nurses. Additionally, male nurses can help to address the gender imbalance in the nursing profession and increase diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.

The presence of male nurses can also help to reduce workplace violence and aggression, as they are often perceived as more physically imposing than their female counterparts (Azaare & Gross, 2011). Male nurses can also serve as role models and mentors for male patients who may feel uncomfortable receiving care from female nurses.

Challenges Facing Male Nurses Despite the benefits of having male nurses in the industry, there are still several challenges that male nurses face. Male nurses may face discrimination and stereotyping from both colleagues and patients, with some assuming that they are less nurturing or less skilled than female nurses (Buchan & Seccombe, 2020). Additionally, male nurses may find it challenging to balance their caregiving role with their traditional gender role expectations, leading to stress and burnout (Azaare & Gross, 2011).

Conclusion In conclusion, the nursing profession is experiencing significant changes, with the increasing number of male nurses being a prominent trend. The presence of male nurses in the industry has many benefits, including increasing diversity, addressing gender imbalances, and reducing workplace violence. However, male nurses still face challenges and discrimination in the workplace that need to be addressed to ensure a supportive and inclusive work environment.

References: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). (2020). Nursing and midwifery workforce 2020. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/workforce/nursing-and-midwifery-workforce-2020/contents/nursing-and-midwifery-workforce

Azaare, J., & Gross, J. (2011). The experiences of men in nursing: A phenomenological study. Journal of Men's Health, 8(2), 117-126. doi: 10.1016/j.jomh.2010.11.001

Buchan, J., & Seccombe, I. (2020). The gender gap in nursing: Theories, explanations, and remedies. Routledge.