Being a male nursing student. Male nursing students’ experiences in their first year of study.

Background Studies show that male nursing students in Norway are twice as likely to drop out of their studies as female nursing students.Drop-out can be attributed to isolation, lack of role models, discrimination and insufficient support in their academic studies and clinical training.Nursing education and practice are strongly associated with qualities traditionally considered feminine, such as 'care' , 'empathy' and 'compassion' .These are traits that men may find it difficult to identify with.To reduce the drop-out rate in nursing education, we need to learn more about the experiences of male nursing students and what factors impact on whether they complete their studies. Objective:We aimed to gather knowledge about the perceptions and experiences of male nursing students in their first year of study. Method:The study employed a qualitative approach, and the empirical sample consisted of male nursing students.The students participated in two focus group interviews in the first semester of their first year of study.The data were analysed using Malterud's systematic text condensation method.This study is part of a larger study following male students through their three-year bachelor's degree in nursing. Results:The study identified the barriers faced by male nursing students and examined how they dealt with these.To address the challenges of being in a female-dominated field of study, the men formed a 'male fellowship' that contributed to unity and a sense of belonging.The students valued male role models because their approach to and perspective of nursing differed from that of the female role models.The informants had little knowledge of what nursing entailed when they started their nursing education.Early exposure to practical procedures helped the students gain an insight into nursing practice.Skills training also helped them develop their nurse identity. Conclusion:Nursing education is strongly associated with qualities traditionally considered feminine, which can make male nursing students feel alienated and disconnected.To encourage more men to study nursing and complete their studies, it is crucial that aspects traditionally associated with both masculinity and femininity are incorporated into the information about nursing education.The focus of the information should be on the competence and knowledge needed to qualify as a nurse.