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Nursing, parenthood and the career hit women take (and men don’t)

Female nurses’ careers slow once they become mothers. But not only do male nurses continue to progress after fatherhood – promotion can even be faster
Smiling woman holds baby’s feet as she gazes at the infant – IFS research found female nurses in more male teams take less maternity leave, and career progression slows after motherhood

Female nurses’ careers slow once they become mothers. But not only do male nurses continue to progress after fatherhood – promotion can even be faster

Smiling woman holds baby’s feet as she gazes at the infant – IFS research found female nurses in more male teams take less maternity leave, and career progression slows after motherhood
Picture: iStock

Female mental health nurses take dramatically shorter maternity leave than their peers in other areas of nursing where there are fewer men in the workforce.

A study revealed women are less likely to progress in their careers for several years after becoming mothers, whereas the impact of fatherhood on men is limited.

Mothers’ career progression and ratio of men in their practice area

Researchers at the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) examined the impact of parenthood on career progression on nurses, midwives and doctors. It found that female nurses and doctors working in male-dominated areas such as mental health and surgery return to work sooner after having a child. But women in gynaecology and obstetrics take longer maternity leave and are more likely to progress to senior leadership roles.

‘The career impact of fatherhood appears limited and, for some transitions, fathers even progress faster than childless men,’ the report states. ‘The slowdown in progression is therefore specific to motherhood, not parenthood more generally.’

The IFS found the average maternity leave is 41 weeks in mental health nursing, compared to 48 weeks in obstetrics and gynaecology.

The report also added that while decisions to work part-time working could explain the slower rate of promotion for some mothers, it noted that cultural and institutional issues such as childcare provision, could also be causes.

Pregnant nurse wearing scrubs holds her bump – IFS study found pregnant nurses take shorter maternity leave if they work in teams where there are relatively more male nurses
Nurses take longer maternity leave when they work in practice areas with fewer men Picture: iStock

‘Men sprint up the career ladder and are strategic about it’

Mental health nurse and mother-of-four Sasha Barber took six months maternity leave for each of her children.

She agreed that male colleagues seemed to sprint up the career ladder, while female colleagues could get left behind.

‘Promotion can change the family dynamic and work-life balance, and women are more likely to consider this before going for a new role’

Sasha Barber, Sasha Barber, mental health nurse and mother-of-four

‘Becoming a mother may pause your progression, but it shouldn’t stop it,’ said Ms Barber a perinatal mental health lead and former health visitor.

‘Working in mental health, you see men advancing a lot quicker, and they are often strategic about it.’

How women weigh up work-life balance

The report states for many women, the choice to reduce hours and the slowdown in progression is an acceptable or necessary trade-off for spending more time with their children or a managing work–life balance.

But Ms Barber says this isn’t the whole story. She adds: ‘A promotion can change the family dynamic and work-life balance, and I think women are more likely to consider this before going for a new role.

‘Sometimes nurses are so burnt-out when they finally go on maternity leave that the thought of returning full-time is too much. That, or they lack confidence.’


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