[What does it mean for men to be nurses?].

In the course of a study concerning the vocational self-concept of men occupied in female-dominated fields male nurses were questioned about a broad range of job related aspects: access to the profession, experiences in the work with patients and teammates, public image, socialization, job satisfaction and the like. The findings help to enlighten male nurses' views of this job and of themselves as its holders. The men perceive special handicaps and problems but opportunities as well. At the time of their vocational choice they aimed primarily at the social and not at the former or medical aspect; today it is still the first of those to which they attach importance. Working as a man in this female-dominated field turns out to be a special opportunity for individual personal growth.