Navigating the path less taken: Exploring the experiences and challenges of undergraduate male nursing students in Oman

Background: Male nurses are a minority in the nursing profession and often face significant challenges, including stereotypes and gender discrimination, within their educational and clinical environments. Although global research on male nursing students' experiences is growing, limited information is available from Oman. Understanding these experiences is crucial for supporting male students and promoting a sustainable nursing workforce. Aim: To explore the experiences and challenges encountered by male undergraduate nursing students in Oman. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was employed. Fourteen male nursing students from different cohorts at a college of nursing in Oman were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, audio-recorded, and analyzed using framework analysis. Results: Four key themes emerged: "Why nursing", "From doubt to empowerment: male students' journey toward a rewarding nursing career", "Beyond bias: male nursing students' struggles" and "How can you help us?". These themes reveal the complex interplay between motivation, societal stigma, personal development, and structural challenges faced by male nursing students in Oman. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need to address gender-based challenges in nursing education and practice. Nursing educators, administrators, and policymakers must implement targeted strategies to support male students, foster inclusivity, and promote gender diversity within the healthcare workforce.