The Lived Experience of Being a Male Nursing Student: Implications for Student Retention and Success

Background: Despite the need to improve gender diversity in the United States nursing workforce, limited studies have explored the experience of former male nursing students and research is needed to provide guidance about teaching and mentoring strategies that can promote male student retention and success. Purpose: This study was conducted to explore the lived experience of former male nursing students. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological approach was used. Eleven males formerly enrolled in a pre-licensure, baccalaureate nursing program participated. Individual interviews were conducted, and themes were identified. Results: Five themes emerged during data analysis: (1) gender bias exists, (2) being singled out, (3) doing manly stuff, (4) limitations in clinical settings, and (5) no male role models. Conclusions: Based on study findings, recommendations to promote male nursing student retention and success include improving media portrayals of male nurses, providing faculty development to heighten self-awareness of gender bias and understanding of barriers and facilitators in nursing education for male students, addressing negative experiences in maternity clinical rotations, and implementing mentorship programs to provide male role models for male nursing students.