Introduction
Nursing requires a constant display of compassion and empathy, an imperative aspect of this work. However, in this area, specialists may encounter various stereotypes regarding gender. They may also be related to nursing as a female profession. This may be because Florence Nightingale initially laid the foundations of the nursing profession. Thus, gender stereotypes were formed because women initiated the profession’s education (Howard et al., 2006). In modern times, the specialization of nursing is still tied to the female role, which can negatively affect the effectiveness of patient care.
The pioneering work of Florence Nightingale contributed to the development of nursing into a full-fledged discipline. Her contributions played a significant role in shaping the concept of nursing but also contributed to the image of the “angel of mercy” (Muldoon & Reilly, 2003). It describes the stereotype of a dedicated and selfless woman who dedicates her work to caring for patients, enhancing their well-being, and providing holistic care in all areas.
The development of nursing and the further involvement of a large number of women led to the development of this area in such a way that the norms and acts of this field of employment were provided tentatively for women (Tan, 2023). Subsequently, this contributed to the strengthening of the stereotype in society that the responsibility of caring for the sick should be assigned entirely to women.
Stereotypes Against Male Nurses
The emergence of men in nursing gradually created opposition to the existing stereotype. However, throughout the development of this field of nursing, men continue to face many stereotypes and prejudices regarding the fact that this work is for women. Overcoming traditional barriers in this way took quite a long time, contributing to the modernization of the profession and the attraction of many men to it (Lorde, 1984, p. 111).
An ingrained stereotype in society regarding male nurses is that they are less compassionate, and because of this, they cannot show compassion to a sufficient degree. This preconceived notion has a negative impact and hinders male nurses’ regular and productive work. They may experience depression and a sense of worthlessness even though they have all the qualities required to be nurses. As shown in Figure 1, a small number of men occupy nursing positions, but with the development of this area, their number is increasing.
Stereotypes Against Female Nurses
Female nurses may also face stereotypes that prevent them from fulfilling their responsibilities. One of the dangerous prejudices in this direction is that women are more nurturing and subservient. These expectations can lead to negative consequences when patients or management are dissatisfied with the care provided to them because women do not conform to social stereotypes. Unfair assessments of the performance of female nurses can have a detrimental effect on their careers and further professional development (Muldoon & Reilly, 2003).
In addition, female nurses may face prejudice due to stereotypes about being overly emotional. This, in turn, creates negative perceptions of women and expectations that they may be prone to hysterical behavior. This negatively affects the image of nurses and requires a fight to ensure that people have the right expectations of women in this profession. Undermining their professional authority could harm the entire nursing workforce.
Impact of Gender Stereotypes in Nursing
Gender stereotypes have a strong influence on the development of nursing. The negative aspect of influence is manifested in the fact that people’s incorrect expectations and the images they have formed regarding this type of activity limit the career opportunities of specialists. Female nurses’ professional activities can be significantly complicated since they are less likely to be considered for promotion, preventing them from developing as specialists. Gender inequality in this profession is increasing and creates a significant obstacle to the development of women in nursing (Tan, 2023). They also face various harassment in the workplace, which may be due to their orders being ignored when they are in leadership positions.
Harassment due to social stereotypes can affect men and women due to incorrect opinions about the profession. Male nurses may face ridicule and misunderstanding for choosing a profession considered feminine due to historical stereotypes (Cho & Jang, 2021). At the same time, women may be subject to various misunderstandings due to assumptions about their emotional fragility and instability. This causes emotional losses for both sexes in this profession.
The constant struggle with stereotypes and prejudice is a significant challenge that can pose challenges to developing nurses as qualified professionals. Distracting them from their direct responsibilities can significantly harm them since the standards of the specialty may not be sufficiently observed. This, in turn, leads to burnout and decreased productivity due to many distractions from work.
Conclusion
Gender stereotypes in nursing can result in poor quality patient care, which can harm hospitals’ reputation and productivity. For example, patients may trust male nurses less because they have expectations that they are less capable of compassion and cannot show sufficient empathy (Paton, 2021). Healthcare providers may face challenges in recruiting staff because they will be biased against stereotypes and may not be able to do justice to inclusiveness and equality in the workplace. In this regard, destroying stereotypes is an important aspect that must be ensured in clinics to create a comfortable working atmosphere.
References
Cho, S., & Jang, S. J. (2021). Do gender role stereotypes and patriarchal culture affect nursing students’ major satisfaction?. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(5), 2607. Web.
Howard, J., Zoeller, A., & Pratt, Y. (2006). Students’ Race and Participation in Sociology Classroom Discussion: A Preliminary Investigation. Journal of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 6(1), 14-38. Web.
Lorde, A. (1984). The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House. In Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches. Crossing Press. 110- 114.
Muldoon, O. T., & Reilly, J. (2003). Career choice in nursing students: gendered constructs as psychological barriers. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 43(1), 93-100. Web.
Paton, F. (2021). Men in nursing: What was it like during the 1900’s? Nurseslabs. Web.
Tan, A. (2023). This male A&E nurse says it’s a meaningful job even if he’s called ‘Missy’: ‘Taking care of others is important’. CNA lifestyle. Web.