title: The image of nursing, as perceived by Iranian male nurses.
abstract: The stereotypical public image of nursing is a major concern for male nurses around the world. In this study, we explored how Iranian male nurses perceived the public view of nurses, and their perceptions of themselves. A qualitative descriptive design and content analysis were used to obtain data from 18 purposely-selected male hospital nurses with a baccalaureate nursing degree in Tabriz, Iran. Semistructured interviews were conducted and analyzed. Two main themes emerged: (i) the outsider's view of nursing, which referred to the participants' perceptions of their public image; and (ii) the insider's view, which related to the male nurses' perceptions of themselves. Results included personal transition into a positive professional self-image through the educational process, and continued public perception of nursing as a female profession ill-suited for a man. Strategies to improve the insider's and outsider's views of nursing are listed to help recruit and retain more Iranian male nurses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: Leila
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Valizadeh
authors.forename: Vahid
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Zamanzadeh
authors.forename: Marjaneh M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Fooladi
authors.forename: Arman
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Azadi
authors.forename: Reza
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Negarandeh
authors.forename: Morteza
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Monadi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006779:Hospitals, Public; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009726:Nurses; D009727:Nurses, Male / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010465:Perception; D011361:Professional Competence; D024382:Professional Role; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D013192:Staff Development; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Iran; male nurse; nursing image; public image; self-perception