[WhatToDo]

I'm starting nursing school in June, but in the mean time I have been volunteering and job shadowing nurses and a CNM trying to figure out what area of nursing might be good for me.

I had the privilege today of following a CNM in a setting invloving underserved teens. I have no idea if this is normal, but I felt strange about seeing a stranger's vagina and cervix. I'm not an especially modest person or anything, I just know how uncomfortable those exams can be and I felt bad for the pts. I guess I was taught that you are not supposed to let anyone see your vagina except a doctor, parent (when young), or husband. To these young ladies I was just some stranger that didn't really need to be there, so I felt embarrased and out of place. I think I would have felt much better if I was doing something.

Anyway, I just wondered if this is a natural feeling that health care folks go through when they see their first pt. in the undressed. I assume this feeling will pass with more experience???

[babyktchr]

Oh my gosh yes....I think that is very normal. I came from a ICU environment and saw all kinds naked and stuff. When I went to L&D...oh my word....it was something else to one, look at so many private parts and two, put my fingers in there. I often laugh now and think...what would MY significant other think if he only realized what I do for a living. After a while, you really will get used to it. Sensitization is something that happens to health care workers. You will find that nothing will shock you anymore...lol...and you will be amazed at how folks can come to the hospital to be "checked" and not bother to bathe. You will also be amazed at what can be pierced.

I don't know about everyone else...but I find that after all the years I have been in OB...I find I am not so "shy" anymore when I have my GYN appt or mamogram etc. Guess it is all part of the de-sensitization process. Sad in a way.

Give yourself some time. I think it is great that you are shadowing nurses and midwives to find your niche. Good luck to you

[KRVRN]

...And just when you think you're comfortable seeing a female pt undressed... you'll have to take care of a male pt! And then you'll be halfway comfortable seeing older people undressed and then you'll end up seeing some cute youngish male, just about your age and that will be REALLY weird! Don't worry, you'll get used to it.

[WhatToDo]

Never thought of actually being attracted to a patient. How unethical. Whatever, I'm sure males OBGYNs get turned on from time to time, you just have to hope yours doesn't.

[ItsyBitsySpider]

Originally Posted by WhatToDo

Never thought of actually being attracted to a patient. How unethical. Whatever, I'm sure males OBGYNs get turned on from time to time, you just have to hope yours doesn't.

Unethical? I think that's a bit overboard. It's completely natural to be attracted to someone, as long as you are aware of those feelings and transfer care to someone else if you feel it may hinder you caring for him/her.