Isolation and marginalization: exploring attrition of men in preregistration nursing programs

James Taylor*, Glenn Marland, Heather Whitford, Maggie Carson, Richard Leece

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

BACKGROUND:In Scotland, similar to other countries, male nursing students have a high attrition rate. This study examined the reasons for and ways to decrease the attrition rate.

METHOD:This four-phase collaborative study included four Scottish universities. Phase 1 involved three telephone interviews with men who had left a nursing program. Phases 2 through 4 used focus groups and interviews with 18 nursing students (13 men and 5 women) and 12 nurse lecturers. Thematic analysis followed a four-stage process.

RESULTS:Male nursing students in this study felt isolated and marginalized, were stereotyped regarding their masculinity and physical attributes, had difficulty communicating, and were reluctant to seek help. Financial pressures and access to learning opportunities also disproportionately affected male students. Resilience and maturity are required to cope with these challenges.

CONCLUSION:Proactive measures and visible role models in academic and clinical environments are needed to support male students in completing their nursing education.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)179-186
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Nursing Education
Volume61
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2022

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