The gender imbalance in the nursing profession is a complex problem that affects not only the nurses’ political involvement but also results in stereotypes, unwarranted bias, and privilege in the health sector (Berry & Liaison, 2016). Besides, there are also diversity issues that are denying the healthcare sector an opportunity to achieve its full potential (Mendelson, 2014). Addressing gender inequality will be effective in accelerating the achievement of the healthcare goals that the profession so demands.
Gender Equality Improves Quality of HealthCare
Addressing gender inequality creates a positive environment for nurturing dedicated nurses that will address the diverse needs of their colleagues and patients. When any gender is underrepresented in any profession or organization, they do not get the best talent to represent the group (Mendelson, 2014). Statistics highlight that the males comprise 13 percent of the nurses, highlighting that there are excellent individuals from the group who are not entering the profession (Berry & Liaison, 2016). However, improving gender and diversity to standards that reflect the patient proportions will be crucial in improving the quality of healthcare and the nursing profession.
Building Influence for Political Representation
Statistics project that the projected healthcare services outweigh the current supply of nurses, highlighting the need to increase the number of male nurses. A solution to the current nurse shortage in the United States (U.S) could be empowering more men to pursue the course (Mendelson, 2014). Currently, the U.S needs close to 200,000 nurses who would fill in the new jobs and those of the nurses retiring (Berry & Liaison, 2016). Having an increase in male applicants to the program will put more pressure on the expansion of the programs (Mendelson, 2014). The consequence will have a more diverse nursing profession that will provide a greater force for political and social change.
References
Berry, K., & Liaison, L. (2016). Legislative Forum: Healthcare Reform Concerns. Journal for Healthcare Quality, 16(4), 36. doi: 10.1111/j.1945-1474.1994.tb00722.x
Mendelson, D. (2014). Healthcare Identifiers Legislation: A Whiff of Fourberie. SSRN Electronic Journal. doi: 10.2139/ssrn.2509786