[glbtnurse]

Are there any resources that you know of on the web that discuss care of GLBT patients? How do you find gay / lesbian nurses are treated at work in the hospitals? Is there any difference how how patients treat them?

Moderator note: returning this thread to view. Posts that veered well off the original nursing topic of issues related to GLBT patients and staff were culled. We ask that this thread not be used to argue morality questions or other issues. - Ratched

[CyndieRN2007]

I have nurses and other healthcare workers friends that are gay or lesbian. I have never seen them be treated differently by staff, management, or patients. I really dont think that sexual orientation has anything to do with the job. All of these people present themselves as hardworking, respectable and caring professionals. As far as a forum for gay/lesbian healthcare workers, maybe you could ask the administrator or this site!! Good luck!!!

[MelodyRN]

I treat them like any other patient. Same with staff. I don't flaunt my hetrosexual persona to my patients or staff, so I expect the same from any other person. I don't see how sexual orientation will affect my care, or working with others.

[Jessy_RN]

Discrimination based on someone's sexual preference is against the law...........doubt it is tolerated anywhere.

I don't think you find too many people disclosing their sexual preferences to patients for them to know in the first place, but then again I am not a nurse.

[medicrnohio]

Ahhh, a topic very close to my heart....
I just wrote a research paper for my BSN program on Culturally Competent Nursing Care of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Population.

Here are some websites that may help you out:

http://www.glma.org/
http://web.nmsu.edu/~ebosman/trannurs/glb.shtml
http://www.lgbthealth.net/
http://www.glbthealth.org/
http://www.metrokc.gov/health/glbt/providers.htm

As a lesbian nurse I have had no problems at all with coworkers, management, etc. I do not disclose my sexual orientation to my patients, it is not their business. I have never had a patient ask. I have had patients ask if I am married, to that I tell them "yes, I have a partner" or something to that effect.

Please feel free to ask more questions or PM if you would like.

[Jessy_RN]

Originally Posted by medicrnohio

Ahhh, a topic very close to my heart....
I just wrote a research paper for my BSN program on Culturally Competent Nursing Care of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Population.

Here are some websites that may help you out:

http://www.glma.org/
http://web.nmsu.edu/~ebosman/trannurs/glb.shtml
http://www.lgbthealth.net/
http://www.glbthealth.org/
http://www.metrokc.gov/health/glbt/providers.htm

As a lesbian nurse I have had no problems at all with coworkers, management, etc. I do not disclose my sexual orientation to my patients, it is not their business. I have never had a patient ask. I have had patients ask if I am married, to that I tell them "yes, I have a partner" or something to that effect.

Please feel free to ask more questions or PM if you would like.

My aunt who is also a lesbian nurse says the same thing. She has never had a problem either. No one needs to know anyway unless you want to share I agree.

Best wishes to you

[dapototi]

Here I go again... As an out gay man, I do not deny being gay to any of my patients. I work on an oncology unit and so we get to know our patients on a deeper level than most nurses. I wear a ring on my left ring finger because I "married" my husband five years ago. I don't ever deny who I am or who I love to any of my patients, that would be wrong. I love him and he loves me. It's that simple. If a patient can't handle that, it's OK with me, I ask another colleague to take care of them. My life and choices are not not up for discussion. I am who I am, like it or not. If you prefer another nurse who is not gay, that's up to you, I will always care for patients in the most loving, respectful manner I can think of.

[glbtnurse]

Dapototi I couldn't agree more with you. I suppose you have had 'run ins' with patients then. Would anyone think a gay/lesbian patient website be of any use to nurses?

[medicrnohio]

Originally Posted by glbtnurse

Dapototi I couldn't agree more with you. I suppose you have had 'run ins' with patients then. Would anyone think a gay/lesbian patient website be of any use to nurses?

Could you elaborate a little more on the website idea? I'm not sure where your going with your idea.

[glbtnurse]

What I meant by gay / lesbian nursing website is that it would act like a publication where glbt nurses could exchange information about their specific experiences in the health care environment. In addition to that, one has to look at the GLBT populations' specific health care need and how one could steer health promotion to become more effective. Examine issues like homophobia in health care settings etc.