Bridging the Gender Divide: Facilitating the Educational Path for Men in Nursing

Background: Although the number of men entering the nursing profession over the past century has increased incrementally, the proportion of men remains low in contrast to the U.S. population. On matriculation into nursing school, men face stereotypes about the nursing profession and the characteristics of the men who enter it. Men may also face a number of gender-based barriers, including lack of history about men in nursing, lack of role models, role strain, gender discrimination, and isolation. Method: This article describes each of these barriers and provides strategies to improve male students' learning experience. Results: The efforts of one nursing school to address many of these barriers are also described. Conclusion: Through acknowledging gender barriers and taking intentional steps to address them with prenursing and nursing students, schools of nursing may create a more inclusive environment and enhance the profession's diversity.