The Experience of Male Nursing Students

PURPOSE. To explore the experience of male nursing students in a baccalaureate nursing program. METHODS. This study used a qualitative approach with content analysis. Written narratives in response to open-ended questions were analyzed. Lincoln and Guba's guidelines were followed. SETTING AND POPULATION. This study took two academic years to complete, at a baccalaureate nursing program in the northeast United States. It consisted of 23 male undergraduate nursing students who had completed three clinical nursing courses. FINDINGS. Five themes emerged from the data analysis: staying focused, opinions matter, I want to be a nurse, relationships, and looking ahead. CONCLUSIONS. The male nursing students in this study were serious about entering the nursing profession. They wanted to be known as nurses, not male nurses. Additional findings from this study can provide educators and clinicians with a deeper understanding of the experiences of male nursing students and what they need to be successful.