Among the top twenty female-dominated professions, professional nurses (RNs) are the second occupation that employed women in 2006¬. Similar to many traditionally female professions, the percentage of men in nursing is small. In fact, in 2008, nurse practitioners made up just 8% of nurses. Although many efforts have been made to recruit more men into nursing, many contributing factors have driven them away from this profession. Such factors include poor nursing image, negative public perception, low economic status, and gender stereotypes. One of the most significant factors that discourage men from entering the profession is stereotypes. Research shows that men may be more likely to encounter stereotypes than discrimination; however, gender discrimination still exists throughout society, which may discourage them from entering the profession. Gender segregation has separated nurses into a minority group that faces many obstacles within the profession, where negative stereotypes are the main obstacle for men wanting to enter the nursing world. Although women have historically been the majority in the nursing workforce, the earliest documentation of male nurses known to perform nursing duties dates back to the 4th and 5th centuries. The first departure of men in treatment was noted in the 16th century due to the destruction of many monastic institutions. In the mid-19th century, Florence Nightingale pioneered the idea of ​​nursing as an exclusively female profession. Nightingale believed that only women had the ability to do nursing work because it was natural to them. His vision caused the complete dissolution of the male nursing workforce. Only until 1955, for the first time, did the military allow men to see...... middle of paper ......ity Indianapolis, 2005), pp. 51, 52, 65. Web 12, April. 2012. https://scholarworks.iupui.edu/handle/1805/1675"What's Behind HRSA's Predicted Supply, Demand, and Shortage of Registered Nurses?" Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA, 2004). Web 22, April. 2012. http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/healthcare/pdf/behind_the_shortage.pdfWilliams, Christine. “The Glass Escalator: Hidden Benefits for Men in 'Feminine' Professions.” Social Problems (1992), pp. 227-240 "Women's Bureau (WB) - Top 20 Occupations of Employed Women." U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (2006). Web 22, April. 2012. http://www.dol.gov/wb/factsheets/20lead2006.htm“Women's Office – Quick Facts on Registered Nurses (RNs).” U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (2007). Web 22, April. 2012. http://www.dol.gov/wb/factsheets/Qf-nursing-08.htm