J Korean Acad Nurs.
2003 Feb;33(1):17-25.
The Male Nurses' Experiences of Adaptation in Clinical Setting
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, Dongguk University, Korea. sonhm@mail.dongguk.ac.kr
- 2Department of Nursing, Chodang University, Korea.
- 3Department of Nursing, Yeojoo institute of technology, Korea.
- 4College of Nursing, Seoul National University, Korea.
Abstract
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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 male nurses 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.