Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine and share experiences of male nurses who have been rejected during their nursing practice by their patients. Methods: The participants were 12 male nurses who have worked in several hospitals. Data were collected through personalized in-depth interviews. Collected data were analyzed with the content analysis method. Results: The results can be categorized into three main themes. 1. Rejection based on gender stereotypes of nurses’ roles. 2. Nurses’ reactions when nursing was rejected 3. Reestablishing the role as a nurse. The results of this study showed that male nurses were struggling to maintain their own positions as professional nurses. They were refused by their patients and they experienced a lack of skill and knowledge in nursing practice. They were harmed physically and psychologically from being turned down, and sometimes they had serious conflicts with female nurses. Meanwhile, the male nurses tried to be faithful to their role as professional nurses. Conclusion: The results of this study show the following findings. 1. The male nurses’ experiences where mostly ones of understanding and cooperation with patients’ caregivers. 2. The need for public relations advertising and systematic support from the media. 3. The need for improving gender equality for nurses. 4. Strengthening male nursing students’ endeavors for sound nursing professionalism.
본 연구는 내용분석방법을 활용하여 남자간호사가 환자로부터 간호행위를 거부당한 경험을 심층적으로 분석하였다. 본 연구 결과 남자간호사가 임상에서 간호행위를 거부당하고 있고, 그러한 거부경험으로 인해 신체적, 정신적 고통을 겪었으며, 환자와 보호자에 대한 이해와 간호전문직으로서 최선을 다하는 노력으로 간호사로서 자기자리를 찾는 과정을 보여준다. 이러한 연구결과를 바탕으로 남자간호사의 간호행위를 거부당하는 어려움의 원인과 극복을 중심으로 다음과 같이 제언하고자 한다. 첫째, 간호협회 등의 조직적 노력과 미디어를 이용한 홍보를 통해 남자간호사의 긍정적 이미지 제고가 필요하다둘째, 남성적 특성을 고려한 간호교육과정 및 교육환경의 개선이 필요하다. 셋째, 남자간호사의 간호행위 거부경험에 대한 심층적인 반복연구가 필요하고, 남자간호사의 간호행위를 거부한 여성 환자의 경험에 관한 추후연구가 필요하다.