Report explores ways of encouraging men to become nurses
It found the profession is still largely seen as a job for women, with less than ten percent of student nurses male.
Last updated 13th Aug 2018
Researchers say nursing is still largely seen as a job for women and its stopping many men from considering a career in the profession.
The study was led by researchers at the University of Dundee and produced in conjunction with colleagues from Edinburgh, West of Scotland and Robert Gordon Universities. It was commissioned by the NHS Education for Scotland, and shows that less than ten percent of student nurses are male.
A series of recommendations has now been set out, designed to help encourage more males to join the profession.
Report co-author Dr Heather Whitford, from Dundee’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences, said, “Attracting more men into nursing is a huge challenge, but this report provides us with key insights as to how we can increase the numbers of males entering the profession."
Researchers found that less than 10% of Scottish nursing students are male, a figure that has hardly changed in the past 10 years.
Many of those interviewed in the study said that the perception of nursing as a ‘female job’ was one of the biggest factors deterring males from choosing nursing as a career. Others cited a lack of male role models in the profession, or a lack of male figures in recruitment material, as barriers to entry.
The report also highlighted a number of positives. The perception of nursing as a worthwhile and positive career was cited by many men as a motivating factor in their career choice. The profession was also viewed favourably in terms of stability, and opportunity for development.
To encourage more men to become nurses, the report recommends a gender-neutral rebranding of nursing and a renewed focus on the skills and caring values that underpin the profession. The authors also highlighted the need for gender-neutral education on health and care topics to begin earlier, ideally at pre-school or primary school levels. In addition, more narratives showcasing positive male nursing role models should be developed and marketed.
Dr Whitford said: “Last year, the University of Dundee launched its ‘#MenDoCare’ campaign, aimed at increasing the number of male applicants to our nursing courses.
“We remain committed to encouraging more men to enter the profession and this report will help assist us in achieving that aim."