The experience of workplace gender discrimination for women registered nurses: A qualitative study

• Published in: Journal of advanced nursing 2022-06, Vol.78 (6), p.1743-1754
• Main Authors: Gauci, Patricia, Peters, Kath, O’Reilly, Kate, Elmir, Rakime
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Advanced practice nurses; Career advancement; Career development; career progression; Constructionism; discrimination; Equality; female; Female employees; Gender; gender equality; Gender stereotypes; Inequality; Interviews; Leadership; Midwifery; midwives; Nurses; Nursing; Professional practice; Psychology; Qualitative research; Sex discrimination; Social constructionism; Women; Womens health; workplace; Workplaces
• ISSN: 0309-2402; 1365-2648
• DOI: 10.1111/jan.15137

Aim To explore the experiences of female registered nurses (RNs), who encounter workplace gender discrimination in nursing. Design This study used a qualitative exploratory design informed by feminist perspectives and was underpinned by social constructionism. Methods Women who were RNs (N = 10) and employed in New South Wales (NSW) were purposively selected to convey their experiences of workplace gender discrimination. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews, between April and July 2020. Analysis was guided by the work of Anderson and Jack (Women's words; 1991) who recommend three ways of listening. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and Braun and Clarke's (Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77–101; 2006) six‐step guide was used to develop themes. Results Thematic analysis revealed five overarching themes: It's a man's world; Gender stereotypes; Being a woman and nurse; Reluctance to call out gender discrimination and The status quo. Findings from this study highlighted that participants believed men's career progression in nursing were favoured over women. Conclusion Findings from this research highlight that socially constructed gendered norms continue to form the basis of inequality for women in the workplace. Fostering and sustaining workplace cultures that support family and work life balance, and that do not discriminate against women, is fundamental to ensuring equality for women. Impact There is limited qualitative research into women's experiences of workplace gender discrimination in nursing. This research highlights the need for workplace strategies to be implemented to ensure women are better supported and equally represented in leadership positions and advanced practice roles in nursing. All nurses should be given equal consideration based on experience and qualifications. Career development and progression opportunities should be fair, equitable and transparent with clearly documented criteria.