Exploring perceptions of what increased gender diversity might bring to the nursing profession.
Julie McMullan, David R Thompson, Alexx Dixon and 5 others
PMID 39149919WHAT IT FOUND
Nursing students and staff perceive a lack of gender diversity in the profession, with many viewing it as women's work.
They report that rigid binary systems in uniforms and records exclude diverse patients. While most believe a diverse workforce improves care, they note current education rarely covers this.
Key findings
01Most respondents believed the lack of gender diversity in nursing negatively impacts care delivery, yet few had received education on the topic.
02Interviewees identified practical barriers such as gendered uniforms, binary admission forms, and segregated ward allocations that exclude non-binary and transgender individuals.
03Participants reported that nurses often assume patients are comfortable with intimate care based on gender, without explicitly checking consent or preference.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study was conducted in only two UK university nursing schools, limiting generalisability. The sample was small and self-selected, with a high proportion of students rather than practising clinicians. Data collection was limited by time constraints and funding, restricting the survey window. Participants were required to be English speakers, potentially excluding non-native speakers. Most respondents identified as female, which may not reflect the broader workforce or patient population.
Declared interests
The study was funded by The Burdett Trust for Nursing. The authors declared no conflict of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that a more gender-diverse workforce automatically leads to better patient outcomes. This study reports perceptions and barriers, not measured clinical effects or improvements in care quality resulting from diversity.