“Being a Nurse Is Not My Gender, It’s What I Was Professionally Trained to Do” : The Experiences of Male Nurses in Providing Intimate Care to Female Patients at a Health Care Facility in Central Finland

Abstract

Over the years statistics have shown that there has been an increase in the number of active male nurses. Despite these increases, the question of the appropriateness of male nurses providing intimate care to female patients still lingers. The aim of this study was to find out the experiences of male nurses while providing intimate care to female patients. The purpose was to collect data that can be used to inform future nurses about the experience of male nurses in providing such intimate care.

This study was carried out through qualitative research by conducting a semi-structured group interview among five male nurses. Participants were registered nurses with experiences ranging from one to seven years, and who had had encounters providing intimate care to female patients. The data was retained by an audio recorder and supported by written notes. The method chosen for analyzing the data was content analysis.

Five main themes were established: (1) Male nurses' definition of intimate care (2) Male nurses' experiences regarding providing intimate care (3) Male nurses' personal feelings regarding providing intimate care (4) Strategies used by male nurses when providing intimate care (5) Professional support in providing intimate care. The findings of this study showed that participants had little negative experiences while providing intimate care to female patients. Providing intimate care was considered a natural part of the job. While they had encountered refusal, insults and accusations, they did not view it as something personal. In such situations the participants used two main strategies: self-comfort and patient’s comfort.