Content Analysis of Male Hospital Nurses' Experiences

Ahn, Kyeong Ha; Seo, Ji Min; Hwang, Sun Kyung

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was conducted to identify job experiences of male hospital nurses.
METHODS
Data were collected from 20 male nurses working at general hospitals, through semi-structured in-depth interviews. The interviews were recorded and subsequently transcribed verbatim. Using content analysis, data were coded and categorized.
RESULTS
The analyzed domains were motivations for choosing nursing, occupational experiences (3 subdomains), and attitudes toward the future. A total of 85 significant statements were selected from the data and classified into 32 categories. The nurses' motivations for choosing nursing were advantages of employment, their aptitude, scarcity value of men, professionalism and job security, good promotion, stable income, and family influence. In occupational experiences, they were assigned to special fields and dissatisfied with vertical relationship, promotion system, their salary, and gaps in military service time; they had difficulties in adapting to female-dominated groups and encountered gender role stereotype and preconception; they were satisfied with their distinguished performance, but had damaged self-esteem, and were stressed and disappointed in their work. In their attitudes toward the future, they considered their career changes, but tried to make professional and personal advancement.
CONCLUSION
These findings have implications for recruiting and retaining male nurses in clinical settings.