Literature Review
There is a great deal of research that examines women’s experiences in non-traditional occupations, but there is limited research on men’s experiences in non-traditional (i.e., female-dominated) fields. Nursing has become female-dominated, and we are interested in examining the male experience in a female-dominated occupation by exploring how gender identity influences a man’s work as a nurse, and how the experience of being male frames his career trajectory toward becoming a nurse clinician.
Nursing is a profession dominated by women. Approximately 93% of nurses are female (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, 2008). When entering such a female-dominated field, male nursing students encounter many challenges in their training. The academic literature suggests that males in nursing programs feel isolated, marginalized, and discriminated by their professors and peers (Sedgwick, Kellet, 2015; Kelly, Shoemaker and Steele, 1996). These negative feelings may derive from societal stereotypes, prejudices, and the lack of male role models in nursing (Clow, Ricciardelli, & Bartfay, 2015). Despite the numerous challenges they encounter, researchers have reported certain privileges that come from being a male in nursing. For example, males tend to garner more power, money, and respect than their female peers. Williams (1995), described this phenomenon as “the glass escalator” (in contrast to the female
However, when her career as a nurse started, it was not in the maternity ward. It started in general care, where she witnessed first-hand the disparity in care between male and female patients.
I became a mother at a very young age, seventeen years old. When I was in labor at the hospital, I experienced the nursing care of two very distinct nurses. I quickly became aware of the demeanor of the night nurse. She was unkind, pushy, and insensitive. She also did not explain things and did not smile much. On the other hand, the day nurse was merrier, compassionate, caring, informative, and reassuring. Despite my juvenile state, my comprehension was very astute. I comprehended that there are two types of nurses. One who solely works to attain a paycheck and the nurse who chose the nursing profession because they value humanity. Simultaneously, I was becoming a mother and discovering what my profession would be thanks to the caring day nurse who was a role model.
“ The Glass Escalator” discusses the intertwining of race and gender combine to shape experiences for minority men in the culturally feminized field of nursing and discovers that upward advancements that may be offered to women may not be offered to a man in a dominated woman’s work field. “The perception that men are not really suited to do women’s work also contributes to the glass escalator effect.” It is interesting that there are specific ideals in the work field on what a man and a woman can handle. Doctors are
‘Maycomb County had recently been told that it had nothing to fear but fear itself’. This statement made by Scout at the beginning of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird shows that Maycomb is a town in which the fear of change is rife. Lee’s choice of Maycomb as a setting, developed through narrative point of view and characterisation was vital to the text as it helped to develop the theme of prejudice and the consequences which result from the fixed attitudes of an insular town.
Meadus and J. Creina Twomey. They both have a PhDs, they are also Both RNs. Robert J. Meadus is an associate professor while J. Creina Twomney is an assistant professor. They are both credible sources because they are both Register Nurses and also they both have a PhD. They both work for the School of Nursing, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. They are biased because they are both males who are also nurses. They feel that more males should be accepted into nursing universities. The article informs the reader that in many countries such as the Unites states, Canada, Ireland the percentage of male nurses is relatively small compare to those of female nurses. The article also discusses the research done on males to see their experience as students in a nursing school. The main point of the article is that nursing schools should re-evaluate how they teach and promote the nursing career. They have to do so in a way to provide gender neutrality for both male and female students. “Nursing is predominantly a female-concentrated occupation. Mackintosh (1997) states that despite men being “pioneers” within the profession, they are considered an “anomaly” for choosing a career outside the boundaries for men in non-traditional occupations.” ( Meadus &
Nursing was a challenge to the individual and I had to experience an identity I had never previously thought about which was being a male within a predominantly female career field. As Yang et al. (2004) showed males in their study work towards promotion and strive on a long term goal of personal growth. In previous fields I had always fought for advancement and now I still do and have been equally been treated among my peers and have seen that advancement truly can only come from pursuing an advanced degree.
In some point in time, during a person’s life they run into the question what do I want to be? They must find a career that they will enjoy or the time that they have spent in class and studying will be in vain. While doing research on the Georgia Career Information Center and from the constant idea throughout my life I have decided that I want to become a registered nurse. The type of work environment, the salary that the job provides and flexibility with work hours are all things that have drawn me to this occupation. I want to specialize in Neonatal. I have always enjoyed caring for people and making a difference to someone. When you become a nurse these are just some of the things that you are able to accomplish. Becoming a registered
Even after decades, not much has changed regarding men in this specific career path. When we see movies like “meet the parents” in which the father in law constantly makes fun of Ben Stiller for being a male nurse when he clearly loves his job doesn’t seem to be fair. It is interesting to note that women today have taken positions in programs such as engineering, medicine, and law. However, they are not talked about as much as men in nursing field. Although females continue to exceed men as nurses significantly, the stats of male nurses have increased. The document “Men in nursing occupations” by liana Christian
New advertisements for the nursing field include posters designed for this campaign aimed to boost the attractiveness of the image of men in nursing by illustrating concepts of brotherhood, belonging, men helping men, and leading the way. One of the recent posters out there shows a student nurse "reverse mentoring" another nurse with technology proving that this is an educational line of work. AAMN, American Assembly for Men in Nursing, hopes that these contemporary images of professional, compassionate, and competent nurses will chip away at stereotypes about men in nursing (Stokowski
The field of nursing has its origins dating back to the 19th century. This is when women reformers wanted to make a difference in social and political issues. To have an active voice in the process, these individuals had to have a strong sense of independence and determination. At the same time, many ethical beliefs shaped the views of individuals who wanted to make a difference (i.e.
The Motion picture film, “Sentimental Women Need Not Apply”, highlighted that the first group of nursing students were all white women (1988). Black women were unwelcomed in some nursing schools hence nursing schools were establish for colored people only (Gary & Hott, 1988). One nurse shared that the lack of black doctors rendered black nurses as the sole healthcare providers in some communities. After years of speaking out against segregation, any capable human, regardless of race or gender can now become a nurse. In the 21st century both men and women of all cultures are welcome to becoming a nurse. Though nursing remains a female dominated profession, the gap between male and female nurses has narrowed. In 1970, three percent of nurses were males compared to ten percent in 2013 (Tanner,
As of 2008, there were about 753,600 Licensed Practical Nurses and 2,618,700 Registered Nurses in the United States (U.S. Department of Labor, 2010-11). In the year 2018, the LPN employment percentage is expected to rise 21% while the RN rate should be approximately 22% (U.S. Department of Labor, 2010-11). This may not seem that high, but it is, when one considers that the expected employment rate for a Dentist is only expected to be 16% (U.S Department of Labor, 2010-11). Nursing is a highly respected and sought after career because every person that enters this profession is able to make a difference and is needed by the general population for his/her skills and contributions to the medical field. When a person is contemplating entering
Male nurses are not typically encouraged by the society we live in today. Men are not in favor of being called nurses and maybe would have a bit more encouragement if the caregiver word would simply be changed from ‘nurse’ to ‘medic’ (Gorgos). Just the change in title can make a positive difference to both men and women in the nursing field. Men and women enter the nursing career with the same goals and interests; but are still yet separated by the name ‘nurse’ and ‘male nurse’ (Kouta). Eddie Hebert a 35-year nursing veteran claims that the caregiver one usually pictures a white woman. This image is being projected into the American public. He believes that, “Caregiving is not feminine; it's universal.” The lack of men in nursing though is, “a result of cultural stereotypes and image” (Gorgos). On the
We live in a world where the human race seems to be disconnected. Nowadays it feels that there are not enough people helping each other. I don’t treat life like a competition I look at it and I ask myself how may I help? What may I do to make this world a more suitable place for all to live a comfortable and peaceful life? I yearn to come forward and fulfill my role and contribute to our society in any way possible. Nursing is my calling for helping others. It sounds cliché, this I know, but it’s what I desire and what I decided to do with my body, mind, and soul.
The legalization of Marijuana in the United States has been a hot controversial topic in the past few years. Marijuana is classified by the Controlled Substance Act as a schedule 1 drug, meaning there are no medicinal benefits and has a high risk of being abused. Marijuana has been illegal since the 1930s, after newspapers falsely exaggerating violence committed by immigrants intoxicated by marijuana. Along with the newly formed Federal Bureau of Narcotics caused marijuana to become illegal based on propaganda.( http://norml.org/component/zoo/category/norml-report-on-sixty-years-of-marijuana-prohibition-in-the-us) Many people still are still unsure if legalizing marijuana is a good idea. Despite this, many states are seeing positive effects since the legalization of marijuana on a state level.