Sample Answer for NUR 514 Topic 4 DQ 2 Gender inequality within the nursing profession Included After Question
NUR 514 Topic 4 DQ 2 Gender inequality within the nursing profession
Policymaking and health practice are inseparable. Indeed, all health care professionals should embrace participation in policymaking, and nurses should commit time and resources to participate in policymaking. The benefits are profound since policy work allows nurses to influence practice standards and policies instrumental in assuring care quality (Safari et al., 2020). Nurses who influence policy play an essential role in setting the foundation of care provided in current and future practice. However, close observation of participation in health care policymaking shows that nursing is underrepresented, implying that nurses are less involved in policymaking than other specialties.
As the book suggests, gender may influence participation in policymaking. The majority of nurses are female, and their perception and understanding of policy and political processes differ from males. Compared to males, females are inadequately capacitated in several factors that influence participation in policy development and political processes. Such factors include awareness of the process, opportunity for involvement, and policy development skills (Acheampong et al., 2021). The problem is further exacerbated by lack of time to participate in policy formulation and lack of drive for highly engaging and time-consuming activities like policy development. The situation should change to ensure that challenges plaguing the practice are better addressed through policy interventions.
Despite the relationship between gender and policymaking, it is encouraging to see developments occurring to address this challenge. One such development is more males joining the nursing profession than before. The increase in numbers is likely to change nurses’ perception of policymaking to participate more in influencing change through policies. However, more resources are necessary to encourage nurses’ participation in policymaking. Turale and Kunaviktikul (2019) also advocated for training and mentorship to enable nurses to understand the policymaking process. Such empowerment will help nurses resist barriers that hinder participation.
References
Acheampong, A. K., Ohene, L. A., Asante, I. N. A., Kyei, J., Dzansi, G., Adjei, C. A., … & Aziato, L. (2021). Nurses’ and midwives’ perspectives on participation in national policy development, review and reforms in Ghana: a qualitative study. BMC Nursing, 20(1), 1-10. https://bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12912-021-00545-y
Safari, M. B., Bahadori, M., & Alimohammadzadeh, K. (2020). The related factors of nurses’ participation and perceived benefits and barriers in health policy making. Journal of Nursing Research, 28(4), e103. doi: 10.1097/jnr.0000000000000385
Turale, S., & Kunaviktikul, W. (2019). The contribution of nurses to health policy and advocacy requires leaders to provide training and mentorship. International Nursing Review, 66(3), 302-304. https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.12550
NUR 514 Topic 4 DQ 2 Gender inequality within the nursing profession
Chapter 14 in the textbook, Leadership in Nursing Practice: Changing the Landscape of Health Care, discusses the nursing profession’s lack of representation in health care policymaking, even though nurses currently represent the largest profession within the health care industry. The text suggests that this may be related to gender inequality, with women making up a large percentage of the nursing profession. Do you see any correlation to this argument?
A Sample Answer For the Assignment: NUR 514 Topic 4 DQ 2 Gender inequality within the nursing profession
Title: NUR 514 Topic 4 DQ 2 Gender inequality within the nursing profession
Gender inequality within the nursing profession is alive and well, unfortunately. Nursing is one of the oldest practices in history but women within the nursing profession have been viewed in “subordinating, passive, and secondary roles” (Werber, Porter-OGrady, Mangold, & Malloch, 2019, p. 522). Public insights that nursing is a female-orientated role have been a major factor in the low numbers of men in the nursing field. The challenge to change this thought process consists of negative stereotypes, nursing being viewed as traditionally female profession and perception of other professions as more male appropriate. Male nurses move towards areas such as the operating room and emergency care and this may be due to support from male physicians or the male nurse feeling more comfortable in a less caring environment. This may be because society as a whole views nursing as women’s work because it is a caring profession. There are still many patients, both male and female, who prefer a female nurse.
Male nurses are reportedly higher paid and move directly into middle and upper remuneration brackets faster than their female counterparts. Another gender inequality is the unequal power balance between physicians and nurses which has resulted in nurses keeping their voices silent while in the workplace (Weber, Porter-OGrady, Mangold, & Malloch, 2019).
There tends to be a stereotype in health care, where the physicians are viewed as leaders and nurses are handmaidens carrying out their orders. Another stereotype is that of a male nursing being viewed as less masculine, as the media portrays the male nurse in the move “Meet the Parents”, and a physician is portrayed as confident and masculine. Such stereotyping has led to poor recruitment of males into nursing (Englung, 2018).
The American Nurses Association published a study, having surveyed African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, American Indians, and Caucasian nurses. They survey found minority nurses experience barriers to their progress in nursing (Englund, 2018). Race also plays a role in nurses’ salaries, not only in the United States but many countries around the world. Another group that experiences gender inequality is the nurse that falls within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) community. It is important to foster trust, respect, openness, and positive attitude to ensure this gender inequality is eradicated.
References NUR 514 Topic 4 DQ 2 Gender inequality within the nursing profession
Englund, H. (2018). Relationship between marginality and minority status in undergraduate nursing students. Journal of Nursing Education, 57(6), 339-346. Doi:http://dx.doi.org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.3928/01484834-20180522-04
Weberg, D., Porter-O’Grady, T., Mangold, K., & Malloch, K. (2019). Leadership in nursing practice: Changing the landscape of health care (3rd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
RESPOND HERE (150 WORDS, 2 REFERENCES)
I agree with you that despite having many women nurses, the leadership roles in the profession are taken by men. It has limited the female nurse’s ability to bring about meaningful changes especially at the top management level and policy-making. Female nurses’ roles are restricted to care and this has had effect on the female nurse’s pursuit for further education. However, with the rise of the gender equality movements, especially the women empowerment programs and advocacy, nurses have been encouraged to actively agitate for their inclusion in the policy making process and running of the healthcare organizations (Ens et al., 2018). Transformation in healthcare leadership is a gradual process and in the recent years the number of nurses hired to top management levels has been increasing and this is a positive indicator that healthcare systems too are ready for the full implementation of the gender equality. Women nurse leaders have proved to be equally competent and able to transform healthcare systems in adoption of new care practices that promote quality care and patient satisfaction (Andrews, 2020).
References NUR 514 Topic 4 DQ 2 Gender inequality within the nursing profession
Andrews, J. (2020). Perspectives: Courage in nursing leadership and innovation. Journal of Research in Nursing, 25(3), 308–311. https://doi.org/10.1177/1744987120920742
Ens, B., Bazylewski, S., & Duchscher, J. B. (2018, June 30). Emerging Nursing Leadership Issues. Leadershipandinfluencingchangeinnursing.pressbooks.com; University of Regina Press. https://leadershipandinfluencingchangeinnursing.pressbooks.com/chapter/chapter-16-emerging-nursing-leadership-issues/
Re: Topic 4 DQ 2
The medical profession has a more dominant voice when it comes to influencing health-related policymaking over nursing, even though nurses represent the largest number of healthcare professionals (Catallo et al., 2014). Most nurses are female. One article stated 68% of physicians are male, while 90% of registered nurses are female. Nurse’s work can be devalued or seen as less important because nursing is viewed as a feminine and nurturing profession, which can be misleading. Nursing is based on skills, knowledge, science, and expertise.
Personally, I can see there is a correlation between the fact that females make up the largest percentage of the nursing profession and lack of representation in health care policymaking.
Gender role norms have contributed to nurses being silent due to nursing being a female-dominated occupation (Nitzky, 2018). “Gender inequities within the health system reflect gender inequity within society. Women’s work is often seen as less important or worthwhile, and their role has health workers is no exception” (Aurora et al., 2018, para. 6).
According to Porter-O’Grady & Malloch, (2018), “as equity has become more apparent in women’s broader role expectations, education, opportunities, performance factors, pay and position in society, these changes have likewise been reflected in the nurse’s role” (p.523).
Nurses do not engage in health policy, political participation, or political activism as much as they should.
Regardless of gender, nurses need to be more involved in policymaking. Nurses have a better understanding of how policies can affect patients and the care they receive; they have limitless expertise about the healthcare needs of both patients and communities and should lead the way in setting health policy priorities (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation ,2014).
References NUR 514 Topic 4 DQ 2 Gender inequality within the nursing profession
Aurora, R., Nakkazi, E., & Morgan, R. (2018, September 30) Gender & Health System Leadership: Increasing Women’s Representation at the Top. https://www.internationalhealthpolicies.org/blogs/gender-health-system-leadership-increasing-womens-representation-at-the-top/
Catallo, C., Spalding, K., & Haghiri-Vijeh, R. (2014). Nursing professional organizations: What are they doing to engage nurses in health policy? Sage Journal. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244014560534
Porter-O Grady, T., & Malloch, K. (2018). Leadership in nursing practice: Changing the landscape of health care (3rd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning. ISBN-13: 9781284146530
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. (2014). Preparing Nurses for Leadership in Public Policy.https://www.rwjf.org/en/library/articles-and-news/2014/02/preparing-nurses-for-leadership-in-public-policy.html
RESPOND HERE (150 WORDS, 2 REFERENCES)
I do concur with you that the gender inequality in healthcare leadership role is a true reflection of the gender inequality in our societies. The concept of female under-representation in almost all the leadership roles in all sectors is society is evident even from the political, economic and social systems (Hazel & Kleyman, 2019). Women have a long time, have been agitating to be included in the policy-making and decision-making processes in the healthcare systems. I do agree with you that there have been major gains in promoting gender equality but a lot still needs to be done to achieve a balance. The societal norms that view women as inferior and that they should take up subordinate roles is slowly fading away but will take sometime before it is completely eradicated. The improvement in the gender perception varies from one society to another but there has been tremendous progress with the emergence of advocacy groups that push the agenda of women empowerment and inclusion in leadership (Jasrin et al., 2020).
References NUR 514 Topic 4 DQ 2 Gender inequality within the nursing profession
Jasrin, T. A., Suwargiani, A. A., Wardani, R., Aripin, D., Oscar, F., Supriatna, A., & Sasmita, I. S. (2020, August 3). Acceptance of Leadership Empowerment Efforts for Female Employees in Three Dental Hospitals. International Journal of Dentistry. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2020/8056175/
Hazel, K. L., & Kleyman, K. S. (2019). Gender and sex inequalities: Implications and resistance. Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 48(4), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/10852352.2019.1627079
Re: Topic 4 DQ 2
Leadership in Nursing Practice
Conventionally, the nursing profession had been christened as one which is predominantly associated with women. Notably, it has taken long for society to understand that nursing is a profession where men can also serve. With this perception regarding nursing, many people who have enrolled for the nursing course have been women. As such, many people with nursing qualifications are women. Although, after a lot of awareness, men have joined the profession, these past matters related to gender and the composition have continued to affect the welfare of the nurses.
Nurses face a lot of issues regarding their representation in the policy-making exercise. Notably, in the decision-making organs, there are few representations of the nurses. Stakeholders have tried to look at this issue from the gender perspective. As argued above, many of the nurses, because of social prejudices, were regarded as a role that was female-oriented. This argument is in some cases introduced when discussing the matter of underrepresentation in policy-making organs in the health care sector. Notably, this cannot be the reason for the underrepresentation issue in the health care sector.
The problem is not with the gender but the rivalry that happens between physicians and nurses. For a long time, there have been concerns regarding how the doctors demean the role of the nurses. The issue is profoundly related to professional differences. Porter-O’Grady and Malloch (2015) suggest that the doctors feel that the educational level of nurses does not guarantee them enough capacity to hold some roles in an organization. Therefore, when creating these decision-making platforms, the people that are selected are mainly doctors. When electing or selecting representatives, many of the people who get into these decision-making organs are doctors. Therefore, this is not an issue of gender but the professional rivalry between doctors and nurses.
Reference NUR 514 Topic 4 DQ 2 Gender inequality within the nursing profession
Porter-O’Grady, T., & Malloch, K. (2015). Leadership in nursing practice: Changing the landscape of health care. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
RESPOND HERE (150 WORDS, 2 REFERENCES)
I do agree with you that the nursing profession has long been associated with women and almost 90 percent of the practicing nurses are women. However, there are men who have actively taken up the profession and have risen up to the management level. It is ironical that despite the largest percentage of nurses being women, its men who have dominated the leadership roles. Majority of nurses are left in the lower cadres of the profession and have been perceived to be subordinate to men (Kalaitzi et al., 2019). This is attached to the cultural view that women are supposed to be submissive and therefore they are not supposed to take up the leadership
roles. They are perceived to be lacking the strength and the ability to manage and lead others as the task is demanding and most of the times emotionally draining. I do agree with you that the problem of gender inequality in healthcare has been aggravated by the rivalry that exists between physicians and nurses. Majority of the physicians are male and have put the female nurses into the subordinate roles without giving them the opportunity to develop and move up the management level (Lotan, 2019).
References NUR 514 Topic 4 DQ 2 Gender inequality within the nursing profession
Kalaitzi, S., Cheung, K. L., Hiligsmann, M., Babich, S., & Czabanowska, K. (2019). Exploring Women Healthcare Leaders’ Perceptions on Barriers to Leadership in Greek Context. Frontiers in Public Health, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00068
Lotan, D. W. (2019). “Female nurses: Professional identity in question how female nurses perceive their professional identity through their relationships with physicians.” Cogent Medicine, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331205x.2019.1666626
NUR 514 Topic 4 DQ 2 Gender inequality within the nursing profession Grading Rubric Guidelines
| Performance Category | 10 | 9 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Scholarliness
Demonstrates achievement of scholarly inquiry for professional and academic decisions. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Performance Category | 10 | 9 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Application of Course Knowledge –
Demonstrate the ability to analyze, synthesize, and/or apply principles and concepts learned in the course lesson and outside readings and relate them to real-life professional situations |
|
|
|
|
|
| Performance Category | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Interactive Dialogue
Replies to each graded thread topic posted by the course instructor, by Wednesday, 11:59 p.m. MT, of each week, and posts a minimum of two times in each graded thread, on separate days. (5 points possible per graded thread) |
|
Summarizes what was learned from the lesson, readings, and other student posts for the week. |
|
|
|
| Minus 1 Point | Minus 2 Point | Minus 3 Point | Minus 4 Point | Minus 5 Point | |
| Grammar, Syntax, APA
Note: if there are only a few errors in these criteria, please note this for the student in as an area for improvement. If the student does not make the needed corrections in upcoming weeks, then points should be deducted. Points deducted for improper grammar, syntax and APA style of writing. The source of information is the APA Manual 6th Edition |
|
|
|
|
|
| 0 points lost | -5 points lost | ||||
| Total Participation Requirements
per discussion thread |
The student answers the threaded discussion question or topic on one day and posts a second response on another day. | The student does not meet the minimum requirement of two postings on two different days | |||
| Early Participation Requirement
per discussion thread |
The student must provide a substantive answer to the graded discussion question(s) or topic(s), posted by the course instructor (not a response to a peer), by Wednesday, 11:59 p.m. MT of each week. | The student does not meet the requirement of a substantive response to the stated question or topic by Wednesday at 11:59 pm MT. |