When you think of a nurse, what image comes to mind? For many, it’s likely a woman in scrubs, a reflection of the societal stereotype that nursing is a “female profession.” But is this truly the case? Male nurses—or murses, as they’re commonly referred to—challenge this perception every day.
Despite their significant contributions to the field, male nurses often find themselves navigating biases, from being labeled as “failed doctors” to being excluded from certain specialties. Are we, as a society, as progressive as we claim to be when it comes to gender equality? And if we are, have these woke ideas translated into systemic change for men in nursing?
A Historical Lens: The Role of Men in Nursing
The perception of nursing as a female-dominated profession wasn’t always the norm. Historically, caregiving roles were filled predominantly by men, especially in early communities, military environments, and religious institutions. Male caregivers served the sick, elderly, and impoverished under monastic orders and in military hospitals.
In fact, men were the backbone of caregiving for centuries. So, how did the shift occur?
The Florence Nightingale Era
The 1850s marked a turning point. Florence Nightingale’s revolutionary work brought immense respect and structure to the nursing profession. Nightingale’s statement, “Every woman is a nurse,” became a cultural cornerstone, solidifying caregiving as a natural extension of women’s societal roles.
During the conflicts of 1850–1950, societal shifts further cemented this gender divide. Men were sent to fight wars, and women took up roles as nurses on the home front and battlefields. Nursing evolved into a female-coded profession. Male nurses, once considered heroes in their communities, were increasingly sidelined or perceived as outliers.
Source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Florence-Nightingale
Today’s Reality
Despite these historical underpinnings, men remain an integral part of nursing, showcasing the same compassion, accountability, and skill as their female counterparts. Yet, their journey is filled with stereotypes and challenges.
Based on WHO’s data on nursing personnel, here is a graphical representation of the global percentage of male nurses from 2018 to 2022. It illustrates the consistently low proportion of male nurses, with only a slight increase over the years:
Refer: https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/indicators/indicator-details/GHO/nurses-by-sex-(-)
Breaking Down Stereotypes and Struggles
- From Breadwinner to Caregiver
For many men, stepping into nursing comes with a heavy dose of judgment. Society still clings to the notion that men should be breadwinners, not caregivers. This societal expectation places psychological stress on male nurses, who may struggle to reconcile traditional masculinity with their profession.
Additionally, men often face skepticism about their ability to handle the emotional demands of nursing. However, male nurses are equipped with the accountability, responsibility, and skill to excel in this field. Their contribution isn’t defined by their gender but by their dedication to their patients.
- Gender Preferences from Patients
Gender bias also affects male nurses in their interactions with patients. In some countries, cultural and legal norms dictate that male nurses can only treat male patients, whereas female nurses can treat patients of any gender.
Many female patients express discomfort with male nurses, especially in intimate care scenarios, leading to exclusion from certain specialties such as obstetrics and gynecology. This segregation not only limits opportunities for male nurses but also perpetuates the stereotype that caregiving is inherently female.
- Challenges in Education
Gender disparities in nursing do not originate in nursing schools but are shaped by societal biases that influence students’ choices and career trajectories.
During our research, we spoke with a professor of renowned nursing college in Jharkhand, who emphasized that male and female students receive the same training and opportunities during their education. However, it is widely observed that male students pursuing postgraduate studies, particularly MSc Nursing, often avoid selecting obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) as their specialty.
The primary reason? A fear of limited job opportunities in this field due to societal perceptions and hiring biases.
While there are no rules barring male students from pursuing OB-GYN or other intimate-care specialties, cultural norms often dissuade them. This phenomenon creates a glaring gap in diversity within nursing specialties.
- Hiring Bias
Male nurses often find fewer job opportunities compared to their female peers, especially in private hospitals and clinics. The hiring bias stems from both patient preferences and institutional stereotypes. Globally, however, male nurses face fewer such hurdles. In countries like the UK, USA, Ireland, Germany etc., male nurses are actively recruited and often progress into leadership roles as matrons, division heads, or specialists.
Beyond the stereotype:
The challenges faced by male nurses extend to career prospects, financial stability, and psychological well-being. Constantly having to justify their place in the profession takes a toll.
Yet, there are inspiring examples of male nurses who defy these odds. Take Muhammad, a male nurse who emphasizes, “Gender has no bearing on nursing excellence.”
Matters of pay and benefits are different in India. Countries like the UK offer better salaries and leadership roles for men in nursing:
Refer: Comparing the Benefits of Nursing Jobs: USA vs. UK and Ireland
How many years have you been working as a nurse?
Muhammad: I’ve been a nurse for a total of 8 years, with the last 2 years here in the UK.
How does working as a nurse in the UK compare to working in your home country?
Muhammad: To be honest, India, my home country, feels like a comfort zone in many ways—familiar culture, family, and support. The opportunities for professional growth and better pay abroad is different.
What was the ratio of men to women in your nursing program when you were studying?
Muhammad: It was about 40 women to 10 men.
Are there differences in job roles for male nurses between the two countries?
Muhammad: Yes, definitely. Here in the UK, the roles are broader and more inclusive. For example, male nurses can advance to senior roles like matrons. The UK also has more specialized subdivisions within nursing, offering greater scope for growth and development. In India, the higher positions are in the field of administration, teaching etc.
Do you think changes are needed in the nursing profession?
Muhammad: Absolutely, and this isn’t just about men. Professional excellence is mostly judged through talent. Gender has no bearing on nursing excellence.
Nurses need adequate breaks and fair remuneration. Nursing is a demanding profession that provides job satisfaction, therefore basic needs cannot be overlooked. In my experience, about 80% of male nurses I know find the profession challenging. Addressing these issues could help retain more talented nurses, both men and women.
Opportunities Abroad: A Brighter Future
The global healthcare industry is actively working to break down gender barriers in nursing. Male nurses are in demand, particularly in countries facing a nursing shortage. Opportunities abroad not only offer better pay but also more inclusive work environments and a chance to specialize in areas.
It’s time we take actionable steps to dismantle deep-rooted stereotypes about men in nursing. The field doesn’t need “male” or “female” nurses—it needs skilled, compassionate professionals who prioritize patient care above all else.
At Global Nurse Force, we believe in equal opportunities for all nurses, regardless of gender. If you’re a nurse seeking a fulfilling career with opportunities for growth and recognition, we’re here to help you explore global prospects.
Join us today and take your nursing career to the next level!
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