Title : Vanquishing the barriers to gender inclusivity
Abstract:
Gender inclusivity in the profession remainsskewed. Men comprise roughly 13% of the current nursing workforce. This percentage continues to demonstrate a gradual growth. However, in comparison with other professions, the rate has been dismal (less than 5% per decade in the last 40 years). The author proposes that four major obstacles prevent the profession from being representative of the population we serve. Barriers identified are historical, image, recruitment, and organizational in nature. There has been an absence of discussion in the profession regarding the historic contributions and achievements of men in nursing. Image will be explored as it relatesto societal/cultural aspects and stereotypes/gender expectations. Recruitment will address general issues with attention as being given to the academic arena. Discussion of the organizational barrier will incorporate the components of education, professional organizations, and workplace. Specific strategies in vanquishing these barriers will be identified and explored.
Audience Take Away
• Discuss of four major obstacles that hamper gender diversity in the nursing profession
• Verbalize subcomponents of these barriers
• Identification of specific strategies in promoting gender diversity in the profession
