Women's experiences of workplace gender discrimination in nursing : an integrative review

Background: There is an extensive body of literature detailing the career paths of male registered nurses and the benefits they receive in nursing. Whilst there are individual studies which have examined workplace gender discrimination in nursing, there are no reviews which have reported collectively on the findings. Aim: The aim of this integrative review was to identify the major forms of workplace gender discrimination experienced by women in nursing and to examine explanations and practices which contribute to gender-based employment discrimination. Methods: An integrative review of the literature was undertaken, guided by the five strategies for the integrative review method outlined by Whittemore and Knafl (2005). The electronic databases of CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, SocINDEX, and PsycINFO were searched using a predetermined search strategy. Findings: Eleven studies met the quality for inclusion in the review. Major themes identified were: The gender pay gap, Career progression and Human capital. Discussion: A gender pay gap in favour of male nurses remains evident in some countries and faster career progression irrespective of experience and qualifications. Female nurses' career progression remains stagnant as a result of career interruption. Policy needs to be embedded into clinical practice to support female nurses' career progression and equality in the workplace. Conclusions: The narrative needs to be shifted to support female nurses' intentions to return to the work place following a period of leave or absence rather than being made to feel excluded and not worthy of progressing their careers. The nursing workforce culture needs to change, however, this change is only possible when we accept that women make valuable contributions to nursing that need to be equally accounted for.