Gender stereotyping and nursing care

Res Nurs Health. 1991 Oct;14(5):373-8. doi: 10.1002/nur.4770140508.

Abstract

The effect of gender stereotyping on nursing care was examined. Eight conditions were created in a posttest-only experiment by completely crossing patient gender (male/female) by memory load (low/high) by patient health status (stable/unstable). One hundred sixty nurses read the same patient vignette. The vignette differed in patient gender, memory load, and patient health status. The nurses then estimated the minutes needed for specific nursing interventions with the patient. Nurses planned significantly more ambulation, analgesic administration, and emotional support time for the male patient, despite the presence of individuating information. More accurate, effective nursing care is possible when nurses are aware of the effect of gender stereotyping on nursing care.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Female
  • Gender Identity*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nursing Assessment / statistics & numerical data
  • Nursing Care / psychology*
  • Nursing Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / psychology
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
  • Random Allocation
  • Sex Factors
  • Stereotyping*
  • Time Factors