Professional success of men in the nursing workforce: An integrative review

Abstract

Aim: To identify and summarize evidence of objective achievements and subjective indicators associated with professional success of men in nursing.

Background: Despite being a minority group, men in nursing are purported to enjoy hidden advantages.

Evaluation: In this integrative review, studies from seven databases were retrieved and independently evaluated using the quality appraisal tools in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Inductive content analysis and narrative synthesis were conducted, guided by the aim of this review.

Key issues: In total, 12 studies published between 1987 and 2021 were included. Two themes with related subthemes supporting or refuting professional success of men were identified. These were (a) evidence of professional success and (b) challenges to professional success.

Conclusion: As a minority group, men are highly visible in nursing, which is a double-edged sword. Although men were overrepresented in senior nursing positions of higher salaries than women, they also experienced gender stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination, which reduced the duration of men staying in a specific nursing position.

Implications for nursing management: Findings of this study highlighted the need for nurse leaders to proactively address specific gender issues that are unique to men in the nursing workforce.

Keywords: career success; gender segmentation; inequality; male nurses; men in nursing.