Male emergency nurses' work stressors and help-seeking behaviour in the emergency department

Nursing is a high-risk profession with unique stressors experienced in male-identifying nurses. Being male in nursing adds more stress. Another layer of stress is working in a busy, high-stakes environment, specifically the emergency department. These multiple stressors among male emergency nurses may compromise their health and well-being, as well as the quality of care they provide to the public. Therefore, it is vital to address the workplace stressors of male emergency nurses and the factors that influence their help-seeking behaviour. This study explored the experiences of male emergency nurses in the emergency department of a major urban hospital in eastern Canada. I examined workplace stressors and the factors participants considered when seeking help. In-depth, semi-structured interviews provided important information about the experiences of male emergency nurses. I also examined the cultural, social and political factors affecting male nurses’ help-seeking behaviour. The findings from this research may inform communication between management and male emergency nurses regarding the development and/or improvement of existing guidelines and policies. In turn, this can better serve the needs of this crucial yet vulnerable population.