during my career i always did whatever i could to protect the patients modesty regardless of gender or age. i was recently a surgical patient at a VA hospital and had what i feel was a disrespectful experience. without discussion i over heard the surgeon and anesthesia resident invite a bunch of people in to "observe" my procedure. before i could respond i was put out. the procedure was a double inguinal hernia repair and umbilical hernia repair which meant i was totally exposed from the nipple area past my genitals for the prep. i also learned they placed a catheter at the time as well. the anesthetist and surgeon were male as was one of the nurses. the remainder of the people helping were two females and the balance "observing" were female totalling approximately 10. though i'm far from a prude, i was denied the courtesy and respect of being asked permission before hand so i could agree to observation and decide how many i would feel comfortable with. it was as if
i was a slab of beef on the cutting table without any regard to my feelings, dignity, or modesty. it was like being a cadaver for an autopsy class but i understand even there the body is draped. it makes no difference how many naked bodies one sees or whether they titilate you or not; it's about that particular patient and their rights, feelings, and concerns. to dismiss their concerns with comments that you've seen it all is disengenuous and demeaning of their feelings. as a man in nursing i've heard peers talking about male patients on numerous occassions. though i would never discuss such things you know there is a double standard. perhaps, if we truly are professional, we should take the time to let the patient express what they would appreciate and then adhere to it. remember, there may come a time when you become that patient and if someone is unthinking you can be the patient exposed for all to see, in the room, surgical suite, etc. ask yourself how you'd feel
having strangers gauk at your body and making comments.
