Female health care professionals: Writing narratives and producing knowledge

Women comprise the majority of workers in the health care system, yet they are disproportionately represented in positions of influence. Intrigued by this under-representation and informed by feminist thought, I studied eight female health care professionals in order to understand their experiences in navigating the health care system. Through this research, I sought to know, understand and make sense of these female health care professionals' relationship to the health care system, a system in which the positions of power and influence are typically held by men.;Grounded in feminist theory, I listened to the women's experiences. Using narrative theory, I wrote their personal stories and created a narrative framework through which to analyze and interpret their lives. Three narratives emerged from their stories to provide both context for understanding the women's stories and a structure to interpret and create meaning from their experiences: health care professionals, the College of St. Catherine and feminist waves.;The women in this study were simultaneously constrained by the hegemony of the health care system, empowered by the values of the College of St. Catherine and motivated by the ideals of the feminist movement. I used the framework of these three narratives to show the complexity of their lives and the multiplicity of relationships they experienced as female health care professionals.;But the question is, whether women will simply fit into the status quo---maintaining hierarchies and divisions---or whether women will work to change care to a health care system reflecting relational, holistic and inclusive values. In their responses to the needs in health care, the women revealed the potential for change based on values and feminist ideals. It is not just the number of women in health care that matters, but more importantly, it is the education, preparation and ongoing support they receive to be different, to resist barriers, and to maintain and perpetuate their values and ideals. In this way, women can be positive agents in the process of change in their lives and in health care.