Gender-related differences in the scope of nursing practice: evidence from a cross-sectional study in geriatric healthcare settings

Aim: To investigate potential gender-related differences in the utilization of scope of practice (range of duties and responsibilities) across acute, community and long-term geriatric-care settings, by considering activities authorized for all registered nurses and those restricted to advanced post-basic certification graduates. Design: A cross-sectional approach, using a convenience sample. Methods: A total of 286 registered nurses [207 females (72.4%) and 79 males (27.6%)] with advanced geriatric training, completed a self-administered questionnaire addressing socio-demographic and occupational characteristics, utilization of the scope of practice, and professional satisfaction. Chi square, two-sample t-test, and a multiple regression model were used to analyze the data. Results: Male nurses reported implementation of a statistically significantly broader scope of practice than female nurses, outperforming them in 8 out of 16 activities for all registered nurses and in 5 out of 9 activities for advanced nurses with post-basic certification. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that gender-related differences in the utilization of nursing scope of practice exist, with implications for professional satisfaction and potentially for patient care outcomes. Our results highlight the need to address these differences at multiple levels, ranging from healthcare organizations, and educational institutions, to policy-making bodies. Future research should use longitudinal studies with diverse samples from various settings and include factors like organizational culture, time since certification, and patient demographics in order to better understand any influences on nursing practice.