This is my second semester of the nursing program and this semester we're doing OB/Newborn and peds. Now, as a young (22 y/o) African American male, I feel as though I'm gonna be the "odd one out" per se. I've never had to get intimate and close with women in that way before. To be honest, the only time I usually do deal with women intimately is if I'm going to have sex with them (excuse me if that's not tactful).
What are some things I can do to to convince my future patients AND their families that I AM doing this from a professional standard and trying to be "perv" or anything like that? It's the only thing that's freaking me out... which is the possibility of one my patients or patients families crying sexual harassment or making me feel unwelcome. Like should I have another female witness in the room whenever I'm doing intimate exams?
What I ended up doing is being the most knowledgable and showing confidence in the field. I was asked to leave by the patients 2 times during my rotation and it worked very well to just say "thank you, I understand." and knocked on the door once everything was over and congratulated them on their new child. That allowed me to have their trust and was able to do the kids new baby exam and do some discharge teaching with the parents.
It is going to happen, more likely than not. Best to not get worked up about it. Good luck. I feel that was one of my most rewarding rotations.
chuym
11 Posts
What I ended up doing is being the most knowledgable and showing confidence in the field. I was asked to leave by the patients 2 times during my rotation and it worked very well to just say "thank you, I understand." and knocked on the door once everything was over and congratulated them on their new child. That allowed me to have their trust and was able to do the kids new baby exam and do some discharge teaching with the parents.
It is going to happen, more likely than not. Best to not get worked up about it. Good luck. I feel that was one of my most rewarding rotations.