Male and female nursing students' opinions about gender and nursing as a career in Turkey: A qualitative study

Aim: This study was conducted to reveal the feelings, thoughts and opinions of male and female nursing students about gender perception in nursing. Design and methods: This descriptive study using qualitative methods sought to reveal gender perception among first- and fourth-year nursing students. The focus group interview (FGI) approach was used purposefully to obtain in-depth information about nursing students' gender perceptions and their underlying attitudes, beliefs and behaviours. There were 27 female and 17 male participants, of whom 23 were first-year and 21 were fourthyear nursing students. Results: The analysis revealed four themes: (1) reasons for choosing the nursing profession, (2) gender perception, (3) religion and cultural factors and (4) occupational gender perception. The students reported that in certain units, gender would make a more positive difference for patients and themselves. The responses of male students regarding their professional gender perceptions also differed depending on whether they were first- or fourthyear students. Conclusions: Gender affects the perception of professional gender and to has a positive effect on the adoption of the profession during education by male students.