Exploring the challenges for nontraditional male students transitioning into a nursing program.

The nursing profession aims to increase the number of male nursing students and practicing nurses. Although a laudable goal, research on the factors associated with retaining male nursing students is lacking. In addition, research has failed to incorporate the challenges facing nontraditional male students, who represent a significant proportion of men enrolled in nursing programs. This study used a mixed method design to explore challenges experienced by nontraditional male students in a nursing program at a 2-year private college in the northeastern United States. Students cited difficulty balancing school, family, and work as among their greatest concerns. They also described their experiences as a numerical minority and how their life experiences and maturity helped them cope with the challenges they faced.