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Male ER Nurses’ Work Stressors and Help-Seeking Behaviours in ED

Christopher John Fernandez, BSN, RN, CEN, MN

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Land Acknowledgement

Credits to: https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/student-services-and-support/first-peoples.html

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

  • Thanks to the Seneca Teaching and Learning Day Team
  • Thank you to all male ED nurses who shared their stories

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Disclaimer

Workplace stressors of emergency nursing and the difficulties in seeking help are not unique to any single gender.

While this presentation focuses on the experiences of male nurses, the significant challenges faced by our female colleagues are deeply recognized and equally deserving of thorough examination and support.

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Why does understanding Male ER nurses matter to Seneca educators?

Understanding student challenges in demanding fields

Impact of social, political, and cultural barriers

Informing inclusive educational practices

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Who am I?

Christopher John Fernandez

Seneca Alumni, Registered Nurse, Clinical Supervisor

MN Researcher: Male Workplace Stressors and Help-seeking

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Lesson outcomes

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  • To analyze parallels between workplace stressors in teaching and nursing and reflect on one's own experiences/ observations in these fields

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  • To recognize at least one existing support system available to teachers facing workplace stressors (starter)

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So what? Seneca has supports…

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Problem

  • Male nurses, a minority (15%), face unique ED stressors.
  • ED environment exacerbates workplace stressors.
  • Male emergency nurses (MENs) are often reluctant to seek support.
  • Social, political and cultural barriers to men’s help-seeking exist

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Photo: Canadian Institutes of Health Research

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Purpose and Research Questions

      • What are the work stressors for MENs?

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      • How do social, political and cultural factors impact MENs’ help-seeking behaviour?

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What is known in literature review?

  • ED environment stresses men physically and mentally
  • Intrapersonal stressors
  • Task Design adds stress
  • Career Growth Stress
  • Research needs a deeper look at men’s help-seeking
  • Men’s barriers: Literacy, Time, Awareness
  • Support groups can improve men’s help-seeking
  • Masculinity: A Complex role in help-seeking

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Theoretical Framework – �Ecological Model for Health Promotion

Photo: McLeroy et al., 1988

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Research Methodology: �Critical Ethnography

  • Deeply understand Male Emergency Nurses’ experiences
    • Uncover power dynamics
    • Critique social inequalities
    • Explore struggles and resistance

Credits: SAGE publishers

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Results

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Conclusion

      • Research reveals distinct workplace stressors and help-seeking experiences of male emergency nurses.
      • Sustainable solutions demand a systems-level approach.
      • . Nurses’ health, including male nurses, can benefit from long-term policy—an investment in a healthier workforce and better care for all Canadians.

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Now what?

Photo: Seneca Polytechnic

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So what? Seneca has supports…

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Questions?

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Apply for a Microcredential

Visit event website: bit.ly/TLday-spring

This microcredential is part of the �2024-25 Conferencer series.

Learn about the milestone badge�on our event website.

Teaching and Learning Day – Spring 2025