PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY ON THE EXPERIENCE OF MALE NURSES IN CARING FOR FEMALE PATIENTS

Abstract

PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY ON THE EXPERIENCE OF MALE NURSES IN CARING FOR FEMALE PATIENTS Anik Maryunani1*, Rr. Tutik Sri Hariyati2 , Enie Novieastari2 1. Regional General Hospital Depok, Depok 16435, Indonesia 2. Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia *E-mail: anikyunan@yahoo.co.id Abstract Nurses provide care equally and do not discriminate between men and women. However, male nurses face challenges and obstacles, especially when they take care of female patients. This study aimed to explore the experiences of male nurses who look after female patients by using a descriptive qualitative design with a phenomenological approach. Ten male nurse participants aged 26–43 years and having an experience of caring for female patients for at least 2 years were included in this study. Seven themes were identified: the discomfort of female patients and male nurses; patient’s trust and privacy; the identification of factors affected by body image, age, and types of sensitive areas and actions; attention to the religion, personal beliefs, ethics, and culture of patients; professionalism, role, and competencies of nurses; communication strategies and asking for female nurses for assistance based on team methods; and the view of males in the nursing profession. This study focused on two of the main themes: attention to the religion, personal beliefs, ethics, and cultures of patients and communication strategies and asking female nurses on the team for help. Results suggest that nursing facilities need to improve their patient-focused services by considering a patient’s ethical and cultural concerns, using communication strategies, and seeking team assistance when needed in accordance with a hospital’s national accreditation standards. Keywords: care, ethics, female patient, male nurse, patient culture