Career Development of Male Nurses in General Wards

—From an Interview Survey with Male Nursing Managers—

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to elucidate the stages of career development for male nurse managers and identify factors influencing the unique career development of male nurses, with the goal of considering career support for male nurses based on the narratives of male nurse managers.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five male nurse managers holding the position of head nurse in general hospitals. Following the interviews, verbatim transcripts were created, focusing on how male nurse managers perceive and facilitate career development as nurses. Data were categorized based on the similarity of content.

Results: Four categories were extracted as stages of career development for male nurse managers: [Uncertainty and diverse backgrounds regarding the nursing profession], [Reinterpreting roles as expanding both personally and professionally], [Having independence over one's career], and [Taking on managerial roles while uncertain]. Three categories of gender consciousness influencing career development were identified: [There are gender differences but try not to be aware of them], [Recognition of the utility of being male], and [Expectation of the active involvement of male nurses].

Discussion: It was considered that male nurses tend to face difficulties in career development before and after employment compared to female nurses. Additionally, male nurses were found to have an advantage in career development based on family roles compared to their female counterparts. Gender consciousness was deemed a significant factor in the career development of male nurses.