Title

Gender differences in discipline of nurses in Missouri

Abstract

Analysis of discipline of nurses by the Missouri Board of Nursing, 2000-2003, demonstrated differing rates by gender. Males received disproportionately high rates at 18.9%, although they represented 7.5% of Missouri nurses. Males received more severe discipline than females, with higher rates of license suspension and revocation, regardless of infractions or license level. Males surrendered licenses at higher rates. For 3 of the 28 infractions, males exceeded the number of females by a ratio of 2:1. Males committed one infraction that females did not. For three infractions, females outnumbered males by a ratio of 2:1. Females committed eight infractions not committed by males, including four murders. Consistent with previous studies, substance abuse was the behavior disciplined in the majority of cases (41.3%). Disparity in nurse discipline suggests the need for further study to analyze contributing factors, roles that nursing culture and gendered behaviors may play in the disciplinary process.

Department(s)

School of Nursing

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1177/0193945907303302

Keywords

License discipline, Male nurse, Men nursing, Nurse discipline, Nurse gender

Publication Date

6-1-2008

Journal Title

Western Journal of Nursing Research

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