Nurses' Work Role in the Context of Gender and Chinese Culture: An Online Forum Study

從性別及文化觀點看護理人員角色的網路論壇研究

劉怡(Yi Liu)

性別與文化 ； 護理人員角色 ； 網路論壇 ； gender and culture ； nurses' work role ； online forum

The Journal of Nursing Research

18卷2期（2010 / 06 / 01）

117 - 125

英文

背景　護理人員一直有著白衣天使的形象，代表護理人員的慈悲、仁愛、耐心及愛心。另一個常見的護理形象是蠟燭，象徵著護理人員燃燒自己、照亮別人的精神，這些形象與中國傳統對女性的角色要求相符。顯見性別及文化對護理人員角色的影響是不可忽視的。 目的　從性別及文化角度來瞭解護理人員對其工作角色的認知。 方法　運用網路論壇討論的方式來進行研究，總共有20位參與者完成4週的討論，討論內容以主題分析的方式完成。 結果　發現三個主題，分別為：性別的工作、低社會地位、護理人員間的緊張。顯示台灣社會中對性別的刻板印象，阻礙了護理的發展，也使得護理人員處於較低的社會地位並出現一些負向行為。 結論　護理領導者及管理階層應瞭解性別及文化對護理人員處境的影響，提供護理人員一個具性別敏感度及正向的工作環境。

Background: Nurses in Taiwan are seen as ”angels in white.” This image conveys that nurses are caring, kind, patient, and full of love. Another popular image of nurses is that of a candle, which implies that nurses bring light to others by sacrificing their ”self.” These images also reflect accurately the traditional role of women in the Chinese patriarchal society. Hence, gender and culture effects on nurses' perceptions of their work role cannot be ignored. Purpose: The purpose of this article was to explore nurses’ perceptions of their work role on the basis of the perspectives of Chinese gender role and culture. Methods: This study was conducted using a Web-based online forum for 4 weeks. Twenty nurses completed discussions of questions in four topic areas. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Results: Three themes were identified: (a) gendered work, (b) low social status, and (c) tensions among nurses. Findings indicate that certain stereotypes regarding gender roles in Taiwanese society constrained the professional growth of nurses and nursing. The social status of nurses was found to be relatively low, and nurses were at a relatively high risk of developing powerless behaviors. Conclusions: Nursing leaders and administrators should understand the impact of gender and Chinese culture on nursing and pay attention to the situation of nurses to provide more gender-sensitive and positive work environments for nurses.

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