Abstract

Despite the increasing demand for skilled nursing professionals worldwide, men continue to make up a disproportionately small percentage of the nursing workforce in most regions. Cultural stereotypes, limited exposure to male nurse role models, and a persistent framing of nursing as a “female” profession contribute to the ongoing gender gap. This session examines how nurse-led medical missions, particularly those involving male nurses in direct care and leadership roles, can challenge these narratives and foster a more inclusive vision of nursing.

Drawing on field experiences from missions across Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, this presentation will examine how the visible participation of male nurses in direct care, mentorship, and health education abroad can influence both local communities and the global nursing profession. These missions create opportunities not only for critical service delivery but also for cultural exchange, role modeling, and shifting public perceptions around who belongs in nursing.

We will also explore the broader implications of gender-diverse nursing teams in addressing health equity, especially in communities where access to male healthcare providers may impact care-seeking behavior, cultural sensitivity, and patient trust. Participants will gain practical strategies to support male nurse recruitment, mentorship, and visibility, both in mission-based work and in their home institutions. Ultimately, this session will inspire attendees to consider how global outreach can serve as a vehicle for transforming not only health systems but also the very image of nursing itself.