Bridging the Gender Divide: Facilitating the Educational Path for Men in Nursing

BACKGROUND: Although the number of men entering the nursing profession over the past century has increased incrementally, the proportion of men remains low in contrast to the U.S. POPULATION: On matriculation into nursing school, men face stereotypes about the nursing profession and the characteristics of the men who enter it. Men may also face a number of gender-based barriers, including lack of history about men in nursing, lack of role models, role strain, gender discrimination, and isolation. METHOD: This article describes each of these barriers and provides strategies to improve male students' learning experience. RESULTS: The efforts of one nursing school to address many of these barriers are also described. CONCLUSION: Through acknowledging gender barriers and taking intentional steps to address them with prenursing and nursing students, schools of nursing may create a more inclusive environment and enhance the profession's diversity. [J Nurs Educ. 2017;56(5):295-299.].