Male nursing students' career preparation, familiarization with the profession, and development of professional identity: A phenomenological approach.

BACKGROUND: Male nursing students face unique challenges in career preparation, requiring a comprehensive understanding of their practical preparation behaviors and decision-making processes, beyond personal perceptions alone. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the experiences and processes involved in career preparation among male nursing students. METHODS: Data were obtained through in-depth interviews with 12 fourth-year male nursing students in South Korea from May to September 2023. A qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach, based on Giorgi's method, was employed to examine participants' career preparation experiences and their fundamental structure. RESULTS: Career preparation experiences among male nursing students entailed the process of gradually becoming acquainted with the field of nursing and establishing their professional identity within the nursing profession. Four primary constituents were found: "Navigating an uncharted path," "Self-directed discovery," "Adapting to a female-dominated work environment," and "Aspiring for a career with sustainable future prospects." CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insights into male nursing students' perceptions regarding their career and uncovers unmet needs, guiding nursing education to support male nurses' career preparation effectively. The findings of this study should be utilized for developing strategies to support male nursing students in establishing their professional identity and retaining them in the nursing field after their graduation.