The Male Nurses′ Experiences of Adaptation in Clinical Setting

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identified the male nurses' encounter in adapting themselves in the hospital settings dominated by the female nurses in number. Method: Data were collected through the in-depth interview of 16 male nurses and analysed through the grounded theory methodology. Result: The behaviors of have made tremendous for job-adaptation can be summarized as a series of struggles to consolidate their own ground. They have made tremendous efforts to hold their own ground in the nursing profession composed of a large numbers of female nurses, while they have experienced many difficulties and problems as minorities. They have struggled to adapt themselves professionally through efforts such as; challenging the social and professional barriers, identifying the job identity, empowering themselves through self-development and dedication, expanding their influence among colleagues. In spite of these efforts, they had the perception that nursing is not a lifelong occupation for them. Thus, they had tendency to find outlets of change to occupations. Conclusion: A specific strategy is needed to provide an environment that is helpful for males in integrating into and adapting to the nursing profession.

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