Circumcision

[RN mom of 2]

Hi! I'm wondering if preemies get circumcised, and if so, are all RNs expected to assist? I really want to work in NICU, but I'm morally opposed to circumcision, so I would not want to be a part of the procedure. I don't have any problems caring for a circumcised baby, I just can't bring myself to have a hand in the procedure. I couldn't even be in the circ room while it was being done. Is it even possible to get a job taking are of babies if you are morally opposed to circs?

Thanks for your input. :)

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

There are a lot of things that I am "morally" against, but it is my duty to take care of my patient and make sure things are done right. Just be prepared to answer to a mom when she asks if you will be with her baby when it is done...we have moms ask us all the time if we will be there for the baby if they can't.

I understand what you are saying....but I think the OP is saying is that some things are just not right, period. Even if they are 'done right', they're not okay to do.

I think I understand where she is coming from - circumcision is painful, even w/ anesthesia and sweetease and Tylenol. I can understand why she wouldn't want to aid in putting a baby who's unable to give consent through a really painful procedure that has no clear medical (or social, or hygienic) benefit.

I just finished reading a really interesting book on the medical, social, and psychological history/aspects of circumcision. It was a very eye-opening read, even for someone like me who's already opposed to it.

[MarySunshine]

I think that if you offer to feed a baby or do a bath or something for another nurse then they wouldn't mind covering for you (I know I wouldn't mind). I don't think it's necessary to bring it up in your interview. Good luck with your career choice!

[Mimi2RN, ASN, RN]

We don't circ babies in our unit. Out in postpartum, there is one ped who does it, no OB's. All the others are done at the Ped's office.

[littleneoRN]

Our neonatologists check with all parents of boys if they desire a circ. If covered by insurance, they get their circ a couple days prior to DC. I would say 80+% percent of our boys get circed while inpatient, and then maybe 10% plan to do it outpatient for insurance reasons. Someone mentioned that they don't happen at nights, but if the unit is slow it is not unheard of for one of our neos to come do a few circs during some downtime. If it's that important to you, I'd ask during your interview. You never know how your fellow staff will react to your requests until you've been there for awhile and know people.