Kontakt X:X | DOI: 10.32725/kont.2026.027

Exploring the experiences and perceptions of male Saudi nurses working in hospital clinical settingsNursing - Original article

Lemon Albores Bacalso* ORCID..., Lovely Simon, Johanna Jacobs, Fawaz Hakami, Adel Kariri
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia

Background: Nursing in Saudi Arabia has traditionally been a female-dominated profession, resulting in social stigma for Saudi male nurses. However, recent health system reforms have led to an increase in the number of male Saudi nurses, reflecting changing societal perceptions.

Aim: To explore the experiences and perceptions of male Saudi nurses working in clinical hospital settings, focusing on the challenges and contributions they face in their roles.

Methods: A qualitative design was used, involving semi-structured focus group discussions (FGDs) with seventeen Saudi male nurses from a tertiary hospital in Riyadh. Data collected between May and July 2025 were analyzed using inductive content analysis.

Results: Three key themes emerged: (1) Gender-based barriers to nursing care delivery, (2) Perceptions of workplace inequality, and (3) Overcoming gender-based stereotypes.

Conclusion: This study reveals that gender dynamics significantly impact male nurses in Saudi Arabia, creating barriers in patient care and interactions. Cultural norms favor female caregivers, limiting trust. To improve this, healthcare institutions should promote gender inclusivity, equitable workloads, and challenge stereotypes, encouraging more men to join the nursing profession.

Keywords: Male nurse; Nurses; Nursing care; Qualitative research; Saudi Arabia
Conflicts of interest:

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Received: October 9, 2025; Revised: February 4, 2026; Accepted: April 20, 2026; Prepublished online: April 22, 2026 

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