Open AccessExploring the career pathways of four males nurses to the deanship position in higher education: A narrative inquiry
Author(s) -
Cecelia E. Fernan
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of nursing education and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1925-4059
pISSN - 1925-4040
DOI - 10.5430/jnep.v8n11p68
Subject(s) - workforce , diversity (politics) , narrative , narrative inquiry , economic shortage , nursing , medical education , nurse education , pedagogy , psychology , medicine , sociology , political science , linguistics , philosophy , government (linguistics) , anthropology , law
Background and purpose: The career path to deanship for male nurses is still mostly unexplored. Male deans leading nursing schools is a new trend in the U.S.Methods: A narrative inquiry using semi-structured interviews with four male deans of schools of nursing in the Southwestern U.S. was the methodology used for this study.Results: The following themes emerged from the data: 1) service to others; 2) traditional career trajectories; 3) it is all about people; and 4) evolving leadership styles. Importance: The participants’ narratives provided first-hand accounts of how these men transitioned from the bedside to the boardroom in higher education. Their experiences could shed light on gender-related issues in nursing education and its leadership. Thus, this study can serve as a career compass for male nurses aspiring to academic leadership positions, inspire more men to join the profession, and aid educational institutions develop strategies for a more gender-balanced workforce.Conclusions: This study proved that men are assets to the nursing profession in both practice and academia. Recruiting more men is part of a solution to the dean and faculty shortage. Preparing the next generation of nursing deans needs a concerted effort to enhance the diversity of the deans and the faculty to reflect the student population today.