Abstract
Purpose: This study attempted to describe the essential structure of male students' experience as nursing majors. Method: The data were collected through the in-depth interviews of seven male students majoring in nursing. The analysis of data were made using phenomenological analytic method suggested by Colaizzi(1978). Result: In this study, five essential themes emerged. They are: $\ulcorner$Strong initial -though subsequently declining- hesitation over choice of major$\lrcorner$, $\ulcorner$Challenging, ongoing effort to survive in an environment of new and unaccustomed experiences and relationships$\lrcorner$, $\ulcorner$Recurring sense of reassurance and relief upon occasions of unexpected success$\lrcorner$, $\ulcorner$Growing internalization and acceptance of their role as nursing students or as future nurses$\lrcorner$, $\ulcorner$Ambivalent feelings resulting from the contradiction between their vision concerning their future as nurses and their worry concerning their future as male nurses$\lrcorner$Conclusion: With an increasing number of male students majoring in nursing, this study will prove helpful not only in understanding male students' experience while majoring in nursing but also in describing their needs for systemic and emotional support.
