Title: An exploration of Indian nurses motivation to nurse : a matter of service or economic gain and social mobility

Biography:

Michelle currently works a City University of London as the Programme Director: Mentorship : Supporting & Assessing Learning in Practice Settings and Practice Lead for Adult nursing students. Michelle has previously worked as a Senior Lecturer at Buckinghamshire New University and Kingston University & St Georges University, London. This followed a successful nursing career as a District Nursing Sister and as an Intermediate Care Nurse. Michelle has taught a range of subjects latterly with a focus on Public Health, Culture & Diversity in Healthcare, Professional Nursing and Management of Long term conditions.Michelle has an MSc in Medical Anthropology and has a keen interest in culture, expressions of illness and how nurses cope with this. Michelle is currently in the final phase of her PhD exploring the experiences of Indian nurses coming to the UK to study and work.Michelle has an MSc Medical Anthropology; BSc Community Nursing (District Nurse); PGCE; Nurse Prescriber; Diploma In Nursing (Adult); BA (Hons) Business Studies

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the context of the decision making process to become a nurse in India for both the male and female nurses, examining the differences between the genders. Nursing itself has changed there are different way of performing nursing which has led in part to the reduction of stigma associated with nursing. Nursing is associated with much more positive prospects in terms of career, travel and earning potential. This has attracted more men to the profession and led to more non-Christian nurses taking up the profession. Nursing at first glance appears ungendered as with other professional roles however both men and women show how gender can be fluid and adaptable within nursing. Two distinct explanations exist for what it means to be a nurse one feminine and the other masculine. For the female nurses the profession is one that encompasses service to others and duty a way to honour ones religion, community and family. Nursing is closely aligned with the aptitudes of a mother that is to care and nurture. The masculine explanation of nursing is concerned with career and social development, one linked to economic gain and status with little mention of care as a motivation to nurse. Through my ethnographic work I revealed clear differences and contrasting views of the male and female nurse’s career aspirations. The discussion with the nurses demonstrates how they fulfil they gender roles but also offer insights in to how nursing can support changes in gender roles, such as the women becoming the main breadwinner and financially secure. The male nurse, by expressing an economic motivation to become a nurse, would be able to fulfil his expected role as a son and husband; the primary contributor to the family’s finances.