A call for review of salient areas as it affects male participation in nursing: An opinion paper

Joint Event on 49^th International Congress on Nursing Care Plan & Health & 50^th World Congress on Men in Nursing

July 16-18, 2018 | Rome, Italy

Aigbe Desmond Amadin

Men in Nursing Assembly, Nigeria

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

There is no doubt that most part of the world, especially Africa with Nigeria been a typical example practice patriarchal way of life, for this reason men seem not to be interested in anything/situations where larger percentage of female gender thrive and dominate. This paper identifies, examines and suggest solution to the likely assumed factors contributing to the low choice of Nursing as a career among the male gender. Despite the early involvement of male in care-giving in Ancient Rome (Men in Nursing Historical Timelines, 2017), the number of male in the nursing profession is like a pinch of salt when compared to the female gender. This figure is further increased by several factors which are salient but urgently need to be reviewed to make Nursing to become an equal gender-oriented profession. This minimal interest of men could also be related to the fact that the Nursing profession is widely seen as female profession. This minimal interest and stereotypic public opinion need to be attended to with urgency to propel the gospel of gender equality and attract the benefit that comes with it. An example of such benefits is male been able to embrace and accept nursing as a career of choice without prejudice. Furthermore, despite all indications that Nursing as a profession is more lucrative and promising when compared to a few alternatives, quite several men in this part of the world prefer to study less lucrative courses like Physiology, Anatomy, Biochemistry and others to Nursing because of the stereotypic female aura that comes with the Nursing profession (Williams and Rachel, 2017). This is rarely the case with nations that preach and practice gender equality. This salient area when reviewed to reflect gender equality will propel men especially from Africa (a typical example is Nigeria) to embrace and accept without prejudice nursing as a career of choice. Some salient areas which need review in Nursing and suggested recommendations include: 1. Midwife/Midwifery - In Nigeria, Nursing is intertwined with Midwifery, every Nurse is expected to be a midwife especially when studied at the baccalaureate level but due to the tag �??wife�?� which represent female gender in its entirety, the male undergraduate stays away from Midwifery professional examination. It is suggested that �??Midwifery�?? as a course should be changed to Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing. 2. Use of Sister/Matron in addressing Nurses/Midwives - This tag is a perfect reflection of womanhood according to Janet Davies (2017), chief executive of Royal College of Nursing , �??When people think of a nurse perhaps they do think of a woman, Some of the details don�??t help �?? the term matron is weird �?? but it�??s about the job, and in my experience men take it in their stride and work with it.�?� when such tag is mentioned, one would ask, should the men who are head of Nursing unit adopt the tag �??Papa or Patron�?�? If No, how many men will love to accept a profession where such title exist? A typical example of a male Matron is Dan Wicks, 38, cardiology matron at Guy�??s and St Thomas�?? NHS foundation trust. Therefore, it is suggested that the title sister or matron be completely repealed from Nursing profession. 3. Increased quota for male enrolment: Strategies should be developed to recruit more men into the profession. Effort should be made by all stake holders to market nursing to men. This can be in form of campaigns to recruit high school and college students who are males into Nursing programs. 4. Developing a befitting prefix for all nurses: So many Nurses are making positive strides worldwide, but this often go unnoticed because the said Nurses usually do not add any title to their name that directly shows that they are nurses. If achieved, the world would be able to easily identify a Nurse and applaud them whenever they make impact. This will also make it possible for young generation Nurses to easily find a Nurse mentor who could serve in shaping their pathway in Nursing. Conclusively, these salient areas if matched with action will lead to more influx of male into Nursing profession. However, this cannot be universally accepted without the effort of major stake holders such as the International council of Nurses. They can lead a voice to the struggle by ensuring that this suggestion is affected worldwide.

Biography :

Aigbe, Desmond Amadin born in Benin City, Edo State in Nigeria. He is a Christian and a Professional Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. Aigbe had his Primary Education at Zion group of schools. After which he attended Zion Comprehensive College for his Secondary School Education. He then proceeded to obtain a Bachelor of Nursing Science Degree (BNSc) from the Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State. He is currently studying for his 2nd degree in the field of Mental Health and Psychiatry Nursing at the faculty of Nursing Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State. Aigbe has held leadership positions of various kind. Some of which include: Senior Prefect at Zion Comprehensive College (2007) and President of Nigerian Universities Nursing Students' Association, Delta State University Chapter (2013). Aigbe Desmond has a keen interest in Nursing individual, family and the community and the world at large to attaining and remaining in good health.

E-mail: ap4chris@yahoo.com