MEN IN NURSING: A STUDY OF GENDER IDENTITY AND MOTIVES FOR CHOOSING A NURSING STUDY PROGRAM

Abstract

Background: Nurses were still identified with the female profession because women had instincts and a gentle nature. The low number of nurses and male students in nursing was attributed to the public's view of the profession, which was still based on a person's gender. The purpose of this study was to prove the phenomenon of inappropriate community stereotypes towards nursing by examining the relationship between gender identity and the motive for choosing a nursing program in male students in Jember. Methods: This research used a correlational method and cross-sectional approach, with data collection utilizing the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) questionnaire and a questionnaire on the motive for choosing a nursing program. The sample consisted of 122 students from the Faculty of Nursing at Universitas Jember, including those pursuing diploma degrees, bachelor's degrees, and professional degrees. Results: The results showed that the gender identity of male students in the nursing program was 52.5% androgynous, while the rest were 18.0% masculine, 17.2% undifferentiated, and 12.3% feminine. For the motives for choosing a nursing program, the average score was 54.68. The results of the Kendall's Tau C test showed a sign of 0.04 (α = 0.05), this result indicates a relationship although the relationship is not strongConclusions: Based on the test results, it was concluded that there was a significant relationship between gender identity and the motive for choosing a nursing program among male students in Jember. Lecturers needed to reiterate to male students that they should maintain their masculine nature, even though it was possible to develop feminine traits due to the demands of the profession.