Adaptation Experiences of Male Students in the Department of Nursing

The main purpose of this study is to provide the necessary information for educational intervention by discovering the components and factors related to the adaptation experience of male students in the department of nursing . The participants were seven male nursing students. Data were collected from in-depth interviews, and the results were analyzed by the Giorgi's phenomenological analysis method. The main components of adaptation experience of participants were summarized into four categories: 'hopes and expectations for the future careers,' 'conflicts and wandering under realistic issues,' 'compromise and emotion management,' and 'efforts for self-growth.' Causative, accelerative, and recursive characteristics were shown among these components. The adaptation process was structured in the temporal context. The results suggest that for amicable adaptation, internal controls, such as 'improving willpower,' 'inspiring solid career awareness,' and 'selecting adaptation strategy' were all critical. Moreover, the support of families, relatives, college seniors, and department professors were revealed as the factors that help in the adaptation experiences. Based on the results, further studies are required to identify the dropout rates by maladaptation of male nursing students, and analyze possible factors that contribute to dropout and maladaptation. In addition, it is necessary to construct various coping methods and practical support systems, as well as to develop appropriate educational programs.