Gender Stereotypes In Nursing Research

The barriers around the nursing profession must be fully understood. Historically and practically were developed as professional identity, because fictitious characterization of nursing is unfortunately what sticks in the minds of people. Nurses were seen poorly educated women, incarcerated criminals, or housekeepers untrained; therefore, nursing was women’ profession. Charles Dickens wrote a book Martin Chuzzlewit in 1896, the image of nurses was portrayed in the character “Sairy Gamp” who was physically abused, neglected, and stole from patients (Berman, Snyder, Kozier & Erb, 2008, p.8).

In the 1900’s Florence Nightingale brought society’s respect during the Crimean war; consequently, due to her work as an advocate for the patient; nurses were seen as guardian angels, noble, compassionate, moral, religious, dedicated, educated in addition of white face in the white uniform (2008, p.8). Nurses continue to suffer from a poor public image that it has been difficult to defeat.

Despite tremendous changes in the health care industry and gender dynamics in the U.S., men continue to be a minority in the traditionally female occupation
of nursing. According to Bartfay, Bartfay, Clow & Wu (2010) society still feels that nursing is a more suitable profession for women and the perception and stereotypes assume male nurses are gay or failed in medical school, less compassionate and caring compared to female nurses. However, men have played an essential role according to Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2011) in the opening of the first nursing school in India in 250 B.C. and hospitals during the Black Plague.
How do we overcome the stereotypes associated with being men in nursing?
“In Johnson & Johnson's Campaign for Nursing, the company chose several nurses to represent diversity in gender, ethnicity, and race, as well as clinical specialties” (2013, p.16). These nurses must be portrayed on the society cutting edge to recruit more men into the profession. Males and females nurses must be visible in community organizations, school programs, and with legislative leaders. Furthermore, there's a tremendous need to increase male role models in key positions in professional nursing organizations.
Although there are instances where I have seen nurses portrayed as competent healthcare providers on television, there are far more moments where nurses are used as sex symbols.
Nursing is often not viewed as a career for smart and capable individuals. In fact, nursing is not viewed as a career at all. The truth is that nursing is a diverse field with many areas of expertise and the backbone of healthcare. However, the media insist on objectifying nurses as merely helpers to those who are really knowledgeable and in charge. "Historically, nurses have played a secondary role in health care. Furthermore, the media focused on TV shows, that perhaps shows up as the attractive “naughty nurse” or not featured at all" (Patino, 2012, Para.2). Doctors are the ones who are viewed and portrayed as competent individuals and nurses as their
peons.
In conclusion, male or female nurses must be united and stay focused in their support of one another, while actively engaging in resolving the issues that affect all nurses such as workload and other professional issues which are the reasons for nurses leaving the profession.