Analysis Of The Image Of Male Nurses

Image of Male Nurses

Introduction

A study published in 2012 discovered that feature films generally portray and represent men in nursing negatively (Stanley, 2012). Male nurses in feature films face roles that are “clearly effeminate or homosexual, however, where the male nurse’s sexuality is clearly heterosexual (e.g. Greg in Meet the Parents and Yes Man) the male nurse’s masculinity is questioned simply because of their occupation” (Stanley, 2012). These perceptions form misconceptions and stereotypes for the overall image of men in nursing. Nursing organizations and educational institutions should publicize more realistic images and messages in order to provide a positive representation of men in nursing and to showcase their contribution to nursing (Stanley, 2012).

Literature Review

The film media displays male nurses as invisible, unskilled, and/or irrelevant to the nursing profession. Historically, screenwriters would add male nurse characters in films “to imply homosexuality” (Stanley, 2012). The media also questions the masculinity and sexuality of the male nurse, due to the choice of occupation. The media characterizes male nurses as “power hungry”, “aggressive and ambitious, or lazy, underachievers who were not up to admission to medical school” (Stanley, 2012).

Gender differences in the nursing profession are identified when society refers to men in nursing as “male nurses”, while female nurses are simply called “nurses” (Stanley, 2012). Gender differences are also evident when “women are perceived as making a good career choice when they enter nursing, whereas men are sometimes seen as making a peculiar career choice and report limited support from family and friends” (Andrews, Stewart, Morgan, & D’arcy, 2012). Studie...

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...eniors have positive attitudes towards the profession of nursing and men in nursing (Baykal & Altuntas, 2011).

Conclusion

Positive portrayal of men in nursing is important in order to break down stereotypes, improve recruitment rates, and to increase gender diversity in the nursing profession. By reinforcing stereotypes and misconceptions of men in nursing, the public undermines the contributions of male nurses. It is important to recognize the significance and contribution of the male nurse through positive and accurate messages displayed by the media, nursing organizations, and educational institutions. Through petitions by the public, statements by the nursing organizations, and creative marketing strategies geared toward men in nursing, the profession of nursing will improve recruitment rates along with an overall positive image of male nurses (Stanley, 2012).