Gender Stereotypes In Nursing Research

The barriers around the nursing profession must be fully understood. Historically and practically were developed as professional identity, because fictitious characterization of nursing is unfortunately what sticks in the minds of people. Nurses were seen poorly educated women, incarcerated criminals, or housekeepers untrained; therefore, nursing was women’ profession. Charles Dickens wrote a book Martin Chuzzlewit in 1896, the image of nurses was portrayed in the character “Sairy Gamp” who was physically abused, neglected, and stole from patients (Berman, Snyder, Kozier & Erb, 2008, p.8).

In the 1900’s Florence Nightingale brought society’s respect during the Crimean war; consequently, due to her work as an advocate for the patient; nurses were seen as guardian angels, noble, compassionate, moral, religious, dedicated, educated in addition of white face in the white uniform (2008, p.8). Nurses continue to suffer from a poor public image that it has been difficult to defeat.

Despite tremendous changes in the health care industry and gender dynamics in the U.S., men continue to be a minority in the traditionally female occupation
Nursing is often not viewed as a career for smart and capable individuals. In fact, nursing is not viewed as a career at all. The truth is that nursing is a diverse field with many areas of expertise and the backbone of healthcare. However, the media insist on objectifying nurses as merely helpers to those who are really knowledgeable and in charge. "Historically, nurses have played a secondary role in health care. Furthermore, the media focused on TV shows, that perhaps shows up as the attractive “naughty nurse” or not featured at all" (Patino, 2012, Para.2). Doctors are the ones who are viewed and portrayed as competent individuals and nurses as their