As relates to the original discussion, when I worked in the field as a Paramedic, it wasn't an option - I'd have to do whatever procedure needed to be done regardless of the gender of my patient. If it was a case involving sexual abuse, I'd have a female firemedic, firefighter, or police officer riding in the back with me to "cover my butt", to protect the patient's interests, as well as to provide psychological support to an already frightened woman. In the ED where I work now, I try to let the female nurses handle female caths and EKG's on young female patients, and I'll do caths and EKG's on their male patients - more out of respect for patient comfort than for any other reason. But when it's necessary, we all do what we've got to do. Do I bring another person into the exam room with me for witness purposes? You bet your license I do. And that's on just about ANYONE these days. Defending yourself against allegations of improper conduct is no fun.

nursingaround said:

Well guys, perhaps I sounded a bit harsh, the words of JennyJay sum up more simply the way I feel, it's a practical issue for me. My home hospital even has a policy that men do men and women do women, although it is not always adhered to.
Reading back over my comments I do sound a bit severe and I apologise. My first female catheterization happened in my first two weeks of nursing. My preceptor said my 40yr old hysterectomy patient needed a catheter as the one from theater had come out. I asked her for help, and she said, "You'll be fine, just look for the small hole". I am not kidding when I say this.
Anyway, have found your comments interesting and thought provoking and may even be willing to change my ways a bit.
Thank you all.

nursingaround said:

I'm surprised that your men don't need a chaperon, especially in America as it's well known as such a litigious society. In New Zealand, even doctors doing gynae exams need a chaperon, so the male nurses definitely do as well.

This is nothing new to me. I haven't entered the nursing workforce yet, but I have run into nearly the same situation in my current field of corrections. For instance, I am, at the moment, the only white man on my shift. When a black inmate becomes unruly, it is my job, along with everyone else, to bring him under control, but my Lt. has, in the past, pulled me out of struggles because she fears that such an inmate would play the race card if he should happen to get injured. As long as there are only black officers touching him, he can't do that. I agree with her that it is a legitimate concern, since it does happen. But, I disagree with her because I am a professional at whatever I do, and I keep my bases covered. It would be a hassle for a while, but I would get through it. Witnesses, cameras and agency policy will all back me up. I plan to carry this over into my new nursing career where I will still be a minority, a male among females. When called upon to do my job with a female patient, I shall do it. If my institution's policy requires a female presence or not, that is what I shall go by. If a patient requests a female nurse, that's okay too. They have that right. However, I will not simply refuse to treat a woman unless she is giving overt verbal cues that she is litigation-happy and spoiling for a suit. I've run into those kind behind bars, and I'm sure I'll see more of them in the clinics. In those cases, CYA is the best protocol.

RN dude. I am com[petely aware of your hesitancy. However, there are  DR;s, both man and women and so the nurse should be treated justt  the  same. If there was no other nurses, then you would have to.. This can be done, with the area being very professional.. Hugs,Teresa

En dud

HEY, JAYME, I TOUCHED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GladiatorJayme,

     Why are you even on this site? NL is for nurses, nursing students, & healthcare proffessionals not men who want to talk about the size of their package... I mean give me a break! I find you to be crude & uneducated. The last thing I want to read is comments like yours. You can say whatever you want on FB just get off of NL!

I cannot fathom that someone this absurd is an actual healthcare professional.  High school education at best.

Thank you all for having my back... You guys are the greatest and I'd like to keep that smutt off of NL...Hugs,Teresa

Some people just cannot fathom the ability to be a professional in certain situations.  I could see that thought coming from someone outside of the medical profession.  Since I entered the medical field in 1987 I have seen countless naked women.  Many of whom, in a social situation, would make any man salivate.  You see, Jayme, when you grow up and take a job like this seriously it's easy to separate your primal thoughts from professional ones.  Sure there are those who cannot control themselves and would get hot and bothered by some idiot's schlong or some babe's awesome rack.  That's what separates them from us.

And with that...I'm out.  Good luck growing up.

Neither of u answered anything?

RNdude? Would u be ok with ur gf / wife playing with my 9.5 inch penis??

TeresahRN would you not consider playing with my 9.5 inch penis a sexual anomaly and note it with exception>?

I also agree..Hugs,Teresa

No Doubt.....Teresa

What is WWE?