Resisting gender norms: A qualitative phenomenological study on the reflections of male nursing students about nursing in the context of the pandemic

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 College of Nursing, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India

2 RAK College of Nursing, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

3 Department of Psychiatric Social work, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India

10.48307/nms.2024.419820.1283

Abstract

Background: The recent public health crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the professional identity of nurses as well as nursing students globally. Gender and its intersections are critical moderators of professional identities.
Objectives: The study aimed to elaborate on the reflections of male nursing students in India, about nursing and gendering in nursing, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: A qualitative phenomenological exploration was conducted using semi-structured interviews during the March 2021 among seven male nursing students who were purposively selected from a nursing college, Bangalore, South India. Thematic manual analysis as described by Braune and Clarke were used to transcribe the interviews and derive themes and subthemes.
Results: The major themes that emerged were; enhanced visibility and professional identity, resisting gender norms in nursing, and reaffirming the decision of choosing nursing.
Conclusion: Based on the interviews, we conclude that the COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed negotiations in the perceived gender positions of male nursing students. We contribute to the existing literature by illuminating how critical situations like the COVID-19 pandemic are contributing to resisting gender norms in professional nursing.

Highlights

Ramya Kundayi Ravi [Pubmed] [Google Scholar]

 

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Nursing and Midwifery Studies
Volume 13, Issue 1
February 2024
Pages 48-55

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 October 2023
  • Revise Date: 01 January 2024
  • Accept Date: 01 January 2024

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