Understanding the gender gap in advanced practice nursing: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aims: We aim to explore the perceptions of registered nurses undergoing the advanced practice nurse preparatory programme and of advanced practice nurses towards the recruitment of men into the advanced practice nursing workforce. Background: Given the need to expand and diversify the advanced practice nursing workforce, it is important to recognize the potential implications of gender disparity. It is critical to understand why few males are recruited into the advanced practice nursing preparatory programme and to determine whether gender-related bias is present in the professional development of nurses. Method: We use a descriptive qualitative design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom (April to August 2021). Results: Three themes were generated: ‘The odds are eventually in the favour of men’, ‘The APN career-track is unpopular among men’, and ‘Balancing the gender gap in the APN workforce’. All themes are supported by three subthemes. Conclusions: Although males in nursing enjoy opportunistic advantages in entering the advanced practice nursing workforce, they are not interested in the role and not staying long enough in the nursing profession to become advanced practice nurses. Implications for Nursing Management: Nurse managers should be more cognizant of the different social stereotypes faced by males and females in nursing. With such awareness, they can be more supportive and less biased in career counselling and job appraisals.