Perceptions of Nursing Education Held by Male Nursing Students

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of nursing education held by male nursing students enrolled in 13 basic nursing programs in Alberta, Canada in September 1987. Female nursing students, equal to the males by type and year of nursing program, were included for comparative purposes. Questionnaires containing usable data were returned by 117 males (71.3%) and l21females (73.7%o). The majorfindings were that male students perceived nursing education as challenging and interesting and were satisfied with the education they received, more males than females perceived themselves working permanently full-time 10 years after graduation, and male nursing studentsfelt that male andfemale nurses were similar with respect to various personality characteristics. Differences between male and female nursing students were evident in demographic characteristics, course interests, career aspirations and goals, and the image of male andfemale nurses.