title: Faculty experiences with rapid integration of male nursing students within a patriarchal societal context.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In 2007, reforms by the Turkish government forced a rapid integration of male nursing students into previously all-female schools. The minimal amount of time for faculty preparation, little guidance from nursing leaders and the extant literature, and a societal context of patriarchy created unique challenges for faculty.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore and interpret the experiences of nursing faculty as they adapted to the sudden inclusion of men in schools of nursing.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative descriptive study
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine schools from six regions across Turkey
  
  
  METHODS
  99 nursing faculty who were 22 to 55years of age, primarily female (97.8%), married (65.6%).
  
  
  METHODS
  Focus groups were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using constant comparison and tripartite discussion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analysis yielded three categories, seven themes, and seven subthemes describing variable experiences, perceptions, and adaptive strategies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings presented contradictions characterized by both optimism and concern following the rapid infusion of men into schools of nursing. Concerns primarily centered on the state of gender relations in a larger patriarchal society. The findings foster reflection and discourse as societies characterized by relatively rigid and traditional gender roles confront rapid cultural change and growing calls for diversity within nursing.
authors.affiliation: Samsun Ondokuz Mayıs University School of Health, Samsun, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ozen
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Kulakac
authors.affiliation: Akdeniz University Nursing Faculty Antalya, Turkey. Electronic address: ilkayarslan@akdeniz.edu.tr.
authors.forename: Ilkay
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Arslan
authors.affiliation: Eastern Mediterranean University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Famagusta, North Cyprus, Mersin 10, Turkey.
authors.forename: Gülten
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sucu Dag
authors.affiliation: Chamberlain College of Nursing Chicago, IL USA.
authors.forename: Chad
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: O'Lynn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003469:Culture; D005181:Faculty, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology; D014421:Turkey; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Faculty; Gender; Male students; Nursing; Patriarchy; Qualitative study; Turkey