RESUMO
AIM: To determine the attitudes of patients towards male nurses in a Jamaican hospital. BACKGROUND: More males in nursing will help to address the nursing shortage and provide diversity in the profession. Patient attitudes towards male nurses will influence recruitment and retention. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was used. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and an attitudinal measuring scale. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients responded (response rate 91%). Male nurses were perceived negatively by 51% of respondents. However, only 10% had a negative perception of the care they received from male nurses. More males (80%) than females (54%) had a negative attitude towards receiving an enema from a male nurse. CONCLUSIONS: Patients generally had a negative attitude towards male nurses but had a positive view if they were cared for by a male nurse. These traits can be used as the basis of changing the gender balance of nurses in Jamaica.
