From “Outsider” to “Anchor”: A Qualitative Descriptive Study of Male Nursing Students’ Professional Identity Construction During Clinical Internships in China

Background: Despite the global increase in men entering nursing, they remain a minority in a female-dominated profession. The clinical internship is a pivotal period for professional socialization, yet the nuanced process of how male students negotiate their identity within the specific cultural context of China remains under-explored. Objective: To explore the adaptation process, challenges, and professional identity construction of male nursing students during their clinical internships in China. Design : A qualitative descriptive study underpinned by a constructivist paradigm. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted between November 2024 and March 2025. Data were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. The study is reported in accordance with the Reflexive Thematic Analysis Reporting Guidelines (RTARG). Results: Three themes were constructed: 1) The Crucible of Practice, describing the profound shock of navigating the theory-practice gap and complex emotional labor; 2) The Double-Edged Sword of Gender, highlighting how students navigated gender stereotypes that simultaneously restricted their learning opportunities yet offered advantages in employability and physical resilience; and 3) From Adversity to Pragmatism, revealing a shift from idealistic expectations to a grounded, strategic career outlook. Conclusion : Clinical internship serves as a transformative crucible where male nursing students actively renegotiate their professional identity. Rather than being passive victims of gender bias, they strategically leverage their gendered status to find a "niche" in the profession. Educators and managers should provide targeted support to help them navigate gendered barriers while reinforcing their unique professional value.