Sources of career disadvantage in nursing: A study of NHS Wales

Nikala Lane

doi:10.1108/02689239910304824

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Journal of Management in Medicine

ISSN: 0268-9235
Currently published as: Journal of Health Organization and Management
Incorporates: Health Manpower Management

Online from: 1986

Subject Area: Health Care Management/Healthcare

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Sources of career disadvantage in nursing: A study of NHS Wales

Document Information:
Title:	Sources of career disadvantage in nursing: A study of NHS Wales
Author(s):	Nikala Lane, (Senior Research Associate, Cardiff Business School, University of Wales, Cardiff, UK)
Citation:	Nikala Lane, (1999) "Sources of career disadvantage in nursing: A study of NHS Wales", Journal of Management in Medicine, Vol. 13 Iss: 6, pp.373 - 389
Keywords:	Careers, Discrimination, Gender, Nurses, Wales, Women
Article type:	Research paper
DOI:	10.1108/02689239910304824 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	MCB UP Ltd
Abstract:	Despite the numerical predominance of women in nursing there is a marked concentration of women, especially those working part-time, in the lower echelons of the profession. The paper presents survey data and interview material from a study of qualified nurses in NHS Wales. By controlling for differences in education and experience in nursing work, it was found that comparable groups of female nurses received unequal employment opportunities. Women with dependent children were primarily located in the lower nurse grades irrespective of their qualifications and experience. Much of this was associated with inflexible working practices, and the low status of part-time work. Occupational downgrading for female returners was also a significant barrier to career advancement. However, these problems were not recognised by management. Management failed to evaluate the mechanics of their human resource policies in terms which matter to many nurses, in particular with regard to the management of diversity.