The Lived Experiences of Fijian Male Student Nurses - School of Nursing - Fiji National University: A Mixed Method Study

Introduction: Globally there are fewer male student nurses than their female counterparts apparently making it a female-oriented profession; while there is an increase in recruitment of males it is not sufficient to create a gender balance. This study explored the lived teaching and learning experiences of Fijian male student nurses including perceptions of families and communities.
Method: A mix-method design was involved where the Inventory of Male Friendliness in Nursing Programs (IMFNP-S) was used to collect data from third year male student nurses at the Fiji School of Nursing. In addition, Focus Groups were used to gain depth of insight about their lived experience.
Results: All male student nurses were invited to participate (n=30) and the response rate was 93% and the male friendliness in the nursing program was at a moderate level (x̄ = 37.39/68); while thematic analysis elicited the following: ‘being single out’ ‘societal and cultural image of male student nurses’ and ‘educational environment and content’
Conclusion: Male student nurses reported experiencing negative portrayals, being ridiculed for being a male in nursing, harassment and discrimination culminating in them feeling singled out. Educators should have strategies to recruit and to acclimatize male student into nursing education.