School counselor perceptions and practices of advising male high school students regarding a career in nursing

Abstract

Background

The literature describes how male high school students with an interest in a career in nursing have struggled to obtain guidance, support, and accurate information.

Purpose

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to understand the perceptions and practices of school counselors when advising male high school students about a nursing career.

Method

Sixty-one school counselors completed an online survey, and nine participated in online interviews between June 2022 and February 2023.

Results

Unlike previously published studies, school counselors have an overall positive view of men in nursing and were supportive of male high school students becoming nurses.

Conclusions

School counselors need more accurate and consistent resources.