Abstract
Aims of research/practice development initiative
Through a cross-sectional survey of 135 respondents, this study examined the factors which influenced career choices of men who chose nursing and choices of young men in second level education, yet to make their choice.
Despite efforts to diversify the nursing workforce, in most countries the profession remains significantly female. Many studies have examined the underrepresentation of men in nursing and have reported on efforts to encourage more men.
Methods
Recruitment was via social media and e-mails to students, graduates, colleagues, and professional nursing and academic networks. Online surveys comprising Likert scale and open-ended questions were completed. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were used to support and add depth to the quantitative findings.
Results/findings
Our findings show that factors such as gender-based stereotypes and portrayal of nursing in media, are the least influencing factors that impacted on men choosing a career in nursing. The two most influential factors were found to be contact with nurses and experience with health care related activities (e.g., volunteering/first aid).
Implications for Inclusion health practice
A gender-balanced healthcare workforce ensures more inclusive care by bringing diverse perspectives that better address the needs of all patients. It is widely accepted that with a better gender balance, nursing would be better understood, would provide more holistic care, and may achieve greater professional acknowledgement and higher levels of remuneration.
To address the imbalance, it is worthwhile uncovering the factors which influence the career decisions of young men as regards a nursing career.
These findings illustrate the influential role that all nurses have in encouraging men into a career in nursing. The findings also have implications for the allocation of resources towards more balanced recruitment and career information systems.
Through a cross-sectional survey of 135 respondents, this study examined the factors which influenced career choices of men who chose nursing and choices of young men in second level education, yet to make their choice.
Despite efforts to diversify the nursing workforce, in most countries the profession remains significantly female. Many studies have examined the underrepresentation of men in nursing and have reported on efforts to encourage more men.
Methods
Recruitment was via social media and e-mails to students, graduates, colleagues, and professional nursing and academic networks. Online surveys comprising Likert scale and open-ended questions were completed. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were used to support and add depth to the quantitative findings.
Results/findings
Our findings show that factors such as gender-based stereotypes and portrayal of nursing in media, are the least influencing factors that impacted on men choosing a career in nursing. The two most influential factors were found to be contact with nurses and experience with health care related activities (e.g., volunteering/first aid).
Implications for Inclusion health practice
A gender-balanced healthcare workforce ensures more inclusive care by bringing diverse perspectives that better address the needs of all patients. It is widely accepted that with a better gender balance, nursing would be better understood, would provide more holistic care, and may achieve greater professional acknowledgement and higher levels of remuneration.
To address the imbalance, it is worthwhile uncovering the factors which influence the career decisions of young men as regards a nursing career.
These findings illustrate the influential role that all nurses have in encouraging men into a career in nursing. The findings also have implications for the allocation of resources towards more balanced recruitment and career information systems.
| Original language | English (Ireland) |
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| Publication status | Published - 2025 |
| Event | INMO Inclusion Health Section Conference: Gender at the Heart of Inclusion Health - Duration: 21 Oct 2025 → … |
Conference
| Conference | INMO Inclusion Health Section Conference |
|---|---|
| Period | 21/10/25 → … |
UCC Futures
- Collective Social Futures
