Father surrogate: historical perceptions and perspectives of men in nursing and their relationship with fathers in the NICU.

Femininity is often associated with the nursing profession, but is not one of its defining characteristics. Men have been providing care to the sick and injured for many centuries, and they continue to do so for many reasons. Male nurses display a wide range of caring practices, which may not always be interpreted as such by their female counterparts. This article presents the male perspective and approach to caring, including the unique relationship that male nurses can have with fathers in the NICU.