title: The Experience of Male Nursing Students.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the experience of male nursing students in a baccalaureate nursing program.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study used a qualitative approach with content analysis. Written narratives in response to open-ended questions were analyzed. Lincoln and Guba's guidelines were followed.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study took two academic years to complete, at a baccalaureate nursing program in the northeast United States. It consisted of 23 male undergraduate nursing students who had completed three clinical nursing courses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five themes emerged from the data analysis: staying focused, opinions matter, I want to be "a nurse," relationships, and looking ahead.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The male nursing students in this study were serious about entering the nursing profession. They wanted to be known as "nurses," not "male nurses." Additional findings from this study can provide educators and clinicians with a deeper understanding of the experiences of male nursing students and what they need to be successful. DeVito.
authors.affiliation: Seton Hall University College of Nursing, South Orange, NJ.
authors.forename: Josephine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: DeVito
keywords: Best practice; cultural diversity; education