Exploring perceptions of what increased gender diversity might bring to the nursing profession
Authors: McMullan Julie , Thompson David R. , Dixon Alexx , Palumbo Alex , Dickinson Tommy , Jourdain Praise , Monaghan Catherine , Quinn Barry 
Published: August 2024

Aims

To explore university nursing students and academic staff's perceptions of what increased gender diversity might bring to the nursing profession.

Design

An exploratory study with students and academic staff from two university nursing schools.

Methods

Students and staff in two university nursing schools were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey (October–November 2022). The survey focused on gender diversity within nursing and patient care, asking respondents about existing barriers to gender diversity and inviting ideas on increasing gender diversity within nursing. The survey findings helped inform questions, which were used to further explore views and thoughts of gender diversity within nursing through semi‐structured one‐to‐one interviews (January–February 2023).

Results

Nearly, two‐thirds (64%, n = 69) of survey respondents strongly agreed/agreed that the lack of gender diversity in nursing negatively impacted delivering care to a gender‐diverse society. Most (84%, n = 90) strongly agreed/agreed that increased gender diversity within the nursing workforce would positively contribute to nursing. Three‐quarters (75%, n = 74) strongly agreed/agreed that working with a more gender‐diverse nursing workforce would enrich their experience as a nurse. Three themes emerged from the interview data: shared stereotypes; improved care through knowledge, better relations and the presence of a gender‐diverse workforce; a culture of welcome: suggested changes for the future.

Conclusion

Most of those who participated in the study believe there are benefits to be gained from greater gender diversity within nursing. This study provides insight into the lack of gender diversity in the nursing environment, highlights how this might impact patient care and suggests actions to make nursing a more inclusive profession.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Practical solutions were suggested, including the greater visibility of trans and non‐binary persons in advertisement and recruitment campaigns to ensure nursing is viewed as a career choice for “all”. Including a space for considered pronouns on university application forms, hospital documentation and name badges. Gender‐neutral titles and uniforms should be considered for all nursing staff, and more gender‐neutral toilets should be made available for staff and patients in university and hospital settings.

Impact

This study addressed the lack of gender diversity in nursing and explored what an increase in gender diversity might bring to the nursing profession. The main findings were: (i) Less than a tenth (9%, n = 12) of respondents described their team of colleagues as being “extremely gender diverse”. (ii) Most (84%, n = 90) strongly agreed/agreed that increased gender diversity within the nursing workforce would be a positive attribute to nursing. (iii) Three‐quarters 75% (n = 74) strongly agreed/agreed that working with a more gender‐diverse nursing workforce would enrich their experience as a nurse. (iv) Many stereotypes still exist in nursing and tackling them is important to make the profession more inclusive. (v) A nurse's gender can impact the care they provide. (vi) A more gender‐diverse workforce would better reflect the population it serves. (vii) This research will have an impact on the nursing profession globally.

Reporting Method

The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ) was used as a guide throughout data collection and analysis.

Patient or Public Contribution

Every step of the study, including the survey and interview schedule, was co‐constructed using an iterative approach with service users, students and staff who had personal experience of gender diversity and were a core part of the study team.