Gender Roles In Nursing

The issues regarding gender in Nursing is an inevitable controversy that the society still questions. Although both genders are interconnected and equal to each other, they still possess different traits and skills that uplifts one to be more efficient and reliable in the field. First, nursing is fondly dominated by women and is until now, known as “women’s work”. Furthermore, men’s entry into nursing has been considered insignificant, in History, it is acknowledged that men started and dominated the nursing field as they were viewed as “pure” enough to be trained as nurses (Edwards, 2015). Second, women are common to acquire thoughtful, emotional and caring characteristics, while men are more spontaneously instrumental, balanced, experimental

Gender discrimination is often significant in males than females as they were described as “male nurses” instead of being known as a real nurse. Despite this, males still continue to pursue their nursing career and push themselves against the barriers of discrimination and stigma (Genua, 2005). Stereotypically, females are known for their characteristics as caring, expressive and understanding which considered as the main advantage of females in becoming a better nurse than males. However, in reality, these attributes are not only possessed by females but for both sexes (Salmon et al., 2015). Males can certainly provide care to its patients as they portray themselves strong and caring at the same time. According to College of Health Care, some male patients often do not want to appear weak and vulnerable in front of a female nurse, and does might feel more comfortable in the presence of a man (CHC, 2017). In addition, male’s physical attribute of strength compared to females contributes a great help in nursing care such as when a patient needs to be transferred. Female nurses will tend to ask for the assistance of male nurses in order to transfer a patient with safety (Medus et al, 2007). Also, males are paid more in the nursing area since some female nurses may leave the workforce to have children and males have to continue working from this absence

Male nurses are as competent as female nurses, but female nurses have all the positive advantages in the nursing field as the society look up to the whole concept of nursing as a women’s work. Males have to prove themselves to the society as their perspective regarding male nurses is gendered bias. Breaking through these barriers create a better society and better understanding of what nursing really is— to care. Males are less appreciated in society, but they are the one who is relied on when a female nurse have to leave the work force. Their physical and mental capabilities are what makes them a better nurse as they excel not only in physically taking care of a patient but also they are able to critically think and decide a situation. Despite being outnumbered in the area, male nurses still are more competitive and effective than female nurses as they are capable of doing the job of both sexes — to be expressive and