Date of Conferral
2023
Degree
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
School
Education
Advisor
Vanessa Wood
Abstract
AbstractDespite significant contributions to healthcare made by male nurses throughout the centuries, nursing is a female-dominated profession, creating challenges for male nursing students. The problem addressed in this study was that male nursing students experience challenges that impede their success toward completing their urban Midwest community college nursing program. Guided by the nursing undergraduate retention and success model, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore male nursing students’ perceptions of the challenges they face that impede their success and their recommendations for the supports they need to overcome these challenges within two urban Midwest community college nursing programs. Thirteen male nursing students who were enrolled in associate degree nursing programs completed semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using inductive, open coding to identify themes. Results indicated that male nursing students were reluctant to enter the nursing profession because men are underrepresented, experienced feelings of stigma created by the persistent stereotypes assigned to male nurses in society, and expressed a need for and importance of having a male nursing student program support system. In light of these findings, nursing program leaders have critical information they need to enact systems aimed at improving male nursing student enrollment, retention, and graduation thereby contributing to positive social change in the healthcare industry over time.
Recommended Citation
Brewer, Geri Ann, "Male Nursing Students in the Community College and the Struggle to Completion" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 14009.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/14009
