An ethical dilemma

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Specializes in Cardiology, emergency.

I am male nurse in Denmark , just turned 40 and nearly a year as a RN, I was a soldier and a chef before this most excellent carrier change.

Male nurses are rare in Denmark, I don't know why and I don't really think about it too much but one episode keeps turning through my mind that effects my interaction with female patients still.

I was working in the ER one evening and was admitting a young women with suspected appendicitis , I went through the usual routine helping her into hospital gown taking vitals . A rectal temp is a very important part of this routine and I could see the patient was uncomfortable with this , many are. I not sure how the subject came up but I could tell she assumed that I was gay ( typical stereotype here) I'm not ,but the stereotype doesn't bother me, what bothers me a little months after is the fact that I did not correct her assumption of my sexual orientation . There is no denying she relaxed when I didn't correct her and began chatting away to me with no further issues.

My question to you allele and female nurses is should I of corrected this young woman? I felt at the time that it was easier for her and for me but when I reflect on it I may of broken the trust that has to exist between nurse and patient .

feel free to discuss

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Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

Your sexual orientation is not anyone's business. No matter what you belive in spiritually or who you prefer personally is not anyone's business.

I know it's not exactly easy for a female patient to have a male perform a recal temp....maybe next time just ask a coworker to trade you something, perhaps do vitals on each other's patients to adjust for your patient being uncomfortable with that procedure.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

Been a nurse for 30+ years, I have had my sexuality questioned on many occasions. Means nothing. You managed to get your patient calm and got the procedure done with no drama. Remember you did not actually lie to her. Forget about it.

I'm not actually convinced that a rectal temperature in an adult is necessary in an admission procedure - we use tympanic ones.

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Your sexual orientation is none of her business, there was no need to correct her misjudgement.

Over my years of bedside nursing, I developed this philosophy...

"Whatever works".

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

agree with above posts. Your business is your business. However, being sensitive to the patient is a way to create trust, so you could ask if she preferred that another nurse get her temperature.

On another topic - we learned in USA that once men started nursing the salaries went up. Amazing how that happened.

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

I agree with the previous posters on all counts, but i also question why a rectal temp is standard for this type of admission. AFAIK most medical organizations recognize that temporal scanners can safely replace rectal temps.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Your sexual orientation is none of her business, there was no need to correct her misjudgement.

Over my years of bedside nursing, I developed this philosophy...

"Whatever works".

THIS.

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Specializes in Cardiology, emergency.

thank you all for your input , i'll Lau that worry Down at last :)

As far as the rectal temp goes it's the standard her and in my admittedly limited expirence nothing else comes close for accuracy exept the bladder catheter one.

thanks again glad to be here :)

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