Perceptions of Female Nurses about Male Nurses: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to identify the perceptions of female nurses concerning male nurses. Methods: This study utilized a qualitative design. The participants were 12 female nurses who worked at a university hospital. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted face-to-face. Data were analyzed using content analysis methods. Results: All the participants were found to have positive perceptions concerning male nurses’ performing the nursing profession. The reasons for their positive perceptions were grouped under the “advantages for the profession”, “physical characteristics”, and “gender” themes. All the participants thought that male nurses made positive contributions to the profession, which were identified as the “scientific” and “individual” sub-themes. Male nurses were found to have positive and negative effects on society and social gender roles. Conclusion: It was found that female nurses had positive perceptions concerning male nurses and thought that male nurses could make positive contributions to the profession. It is recommended to continue to educate females and males as nurses in nursing schools. This way, it could be possible to help nursing profession members to collaborate, establish good communication, work with members of the profession from different genders, and increase patient rights to an ideal level.Aim: This study aims to identify the perceptions of female nurses concerning male nurses. Methods: This study utilized a qualitative design. The participants were 12 female nurses who worked at a university hospital. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted face-to-face. Data were analyzed using content analysis methods. Results: All the participants were found to have positive perceptions concerning male nurses’ performing the nursing profession. The reasons for their positive perceptions were grouped under the “advantages for the profession”, “physical characteristics”, and “gender” themes. All the participants thought that male nurses made positive contributions to the profession, which were identified as the “scientific” and “individual” sub-themes. Male nurses were found to have positive and negative effects on society and social gender roles. Conclusion: It was found that female nurses had positive perceptions concerning male nurses and thought that male nurses could make positive contributions to the profession. It is recommended to continue to educate females and males as nurses in nursing schools. This way, it could be possible to help nursing profession members to collaborate, establish good communication, work with members of the profession from different genders, and increase patient rights to an ideal level.