title: Exploring the challenges for nontraditional male students transitioning into a nursing program.
abstract: The nursing profession aims to increase the number of male nursing students and practicing nurses. Although a laudable goal, research on the factors associated with retaining male nursing students is lacking. In addition, research has failed to incorporate the challenges facing nontraditional male students, who represent a significant proportion of men enrolled in nursing programs. This study used a mixed method design to explore challenges experienced by nontraditional male students in a nursing program at a 2-year private college in the northeastern United States. Students cited difficulty balancing school, family, and work as among their greatest concerns. They also described their experiences as a numerical minority and how their life experiences and maturity helped them cope with the challenges they faced.
authors.affiliation: Center for Urban and Multicultural Education, School of Education, Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA. jss2@iupui.edu
authors.forename: Joshua S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005783:Gender Identity; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000523:psychology; D009511:New England; D009727:Nurses, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011287:Prejudice; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D012945:Social Values; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017748:Time Management; D016526:Workload