Reedy Natasha, Luyke Trish, McGregor Rowena, King Rachel, Dawson Rhonda, Robinson Brendon, Terry Daniel
School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia.
Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4305, Australia.
Nurs Rep. 2025 Mar 13;15(3):97. doi: 10.3390/nursrep15030097.
Historically, male nurses were predominant in mental health settings due to their perceived physical strength and ability to manage violent patients. However, societal changes and the evolution of nursing education have led to a decline in male participation. This study aims to explore the characteristics, qualities, and attributes of male mental health nurses, while aiming to identify factors that attract and retain, as well as that deter, men in this field, to inform male recruitment and retention strategies to grow the mental health nursing workforce. A scoping review was conducted across six databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and ProQuest. The focus was on studies from 1970 to 2024. Screening and selection of studies were based on eligibility criteria. Narrative synthesis was conducted, and the study follows the PRISMA for Scoping Reviews checklist. Limited research exists on male mental health nurses. The data highlight the unique contributions of male nurses, including their resilience, teamwork, and emotional competence. They also identify challenges such as workplace violence, stigma, and lack of career development opportunities. The literature suggests that targeted recruitment strategies and supportive work environments are essential to increase the number of male mental health nurses and address the nursing shortage in this specialty. Positive academic experiences and professional development opportunities are crucial for retaining male nurses. Addressing stigma associated with mental health nursing is needed, starting with a positive public health education campaign. Addressing workplace violence needs to stem from improved organisational procedures that promote the safety and wellbeing of nurses and clients, combined with de-escalation education and training; mentoring are vital to improving attraction, job satisfaction, and the retention of male nurses. By understanding these factors, health care organisations can better support male mental health nurses and enhance the overall quality of mental health care.
从历史上看，由于人们认为男性护士体力强壮且有能力管理暴力患者，所以在心理健康护理领域男性护士占主导地位。然而，社会变革和护理教育的发展导致男性参与度下降。本研究旨在探索男性心理健康护士的特征、品质和特质，同时旨在确定吸引和留住以及阻碍男性从事该领域工作的因素，为增加心理健康护理劳动力的男性招聘和留用策略提供信息。我们对六个数据库进行了范围综述，包括PubMed、MEDLINE、科学网、Scopus、护理学与健康领域数据库（CINAHL）、心理学文摘数据库（PsycINFO）和ProQuest。重点是1970年至2024年的研究。研究的筛选和选择基于纳入标准。进行了叙述性综合分析，该研究遵循范围综述的系统评价和Meta分析扩展版（PRISMA）清单。关于男性心理健康护士的研究有限。数据突出了男性护士的独特贡献，包括他们的适应能力、团队合作能力和情感能力。数据还识别了一些挑战，如工作场所暴力、污名化以及缺乏职业发展机会。文献表明，有针对性的招聘策略和支持性的工作环境对于增加男性心理健康护士的数量和解决该专业的护理短缺问题至关重要。积极的学术经历和专业发展机会对于留住男性护士至关重要。需要从积极的公共卫生教育活动入手，消除与心理健康护理相关的污名化。解决工作场所暴力问题需要改进组织程序，以促进护士和患者的安全与福祉，同时结合缓和冲突教育和培训；指导对于提高男性护士的吸引力、工作满意度和留用率至关重要。通过了解这些因素，医疗保健机构可以更好地支持男性心理健康护士，并提高心理健康护理的整体质量。
