Can nurses refuse to perform/assist circumcisions and abortions?

Graduation2016 · Dec 20, 2013

I assisted (as a student) on a circumcision just a few weeks ago. It consisted of holding the pacifier in the mouth and squeezing some vaseline on the doctors fingers :) Beforehand somethig (forget what...) was put on the member to numb it. Afterward was look for bleeding and wait for a wet diaper. It wasn't bad. I thought the baby would scream bloody murder but they really only cry for a minute. One fell asleep during the procedure :)[/quote']
Probably lidocaine 1%.

beshacohen · Dec 20, 2013

Circumcision is a surgical procedure. As an LPN you won't be in an environment where they are done. I doubt that a circumcision (or abortion) has ever been done in long term care. Don't worry about it.

I don't ever want to do anything having anything to do with peds. The best way to have a say in that is to apply for jobs where there are no children.

Baubo516, RN · Dec 20, 2013

I was surprised to hear you say that you could handle abortions better than circumcisions. To me, an abortion is a much more serious procedure and a circumcision is pretty minor. Would you be comfortable sharing your views about this? I don't want to debate - just interested in a different perspective. If you don't want to share publicly, you can PM me. I understand if you don't want to share at all - just curious! I am a nursing student and interested in different cultures and beliefs.

TheJenpire · Dec 23, 2013

I'd just like to say if thats something you'll regularly need to do, dont go into that specific field. my mom works with people who because of their religion cant be nurses for men over 14 and it puts a pretty big burden on your co workers if you constantly refuse.

Stormyskier · Dec 23, 2013

When I was working out in Ca. 10 years ago, if your belief was not to be in abortions or TAB you just asked to switch. It was not a big deal but that was 10 years ago.

Mewsin · Dec 23, 2013

Due to my strong views on circumcision I've already been told by my instructors that I will not be involved in one.

Just for the record not all lpns work in ltc, some do work in surgery, but I know of one man in ltc who was circumcised after moving in there.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Dec 23, 2013

Due to my strong views on circumcision I've already been told by my instructors that I will not be involved in one.
Just for the record not all lpns work in ltc, some do work in surgery, but I know of one man in ltc who was circumcised after moving in there.

I am sure the move to LTC did not prompt the patient circumcision. There are MANY reasons that are medically necessary for a circumcision to be performed...balanoposthitis, inflammation of the head of the member and overlying foreskin, or phimosis, difficulty retracting the foreskin. Both problems are seen more commonly in diabetics, but can occur in any uncircumcised man. They are caused by chronic irritation and scarring and can usually be prevented with careful cleaning beneath the foreskin.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Dec 23, 2013

Due to my strong views on circumcision I've already been told by my instructors that I will not be involved in one. Just for the record not all lpns work in ltc some do work in surgery, but I know of one man in ltc who was circumcised after moving in there.[/quote']
I'm well aware of where LPNs can work; I was one for 7 years; I still have my license active.
From your OP, my understanding was based in an OB setting, since you stated about abortions and circumcisions; as Esme pointed out, some circumcisions are for the benefit of the patient; will this be an issue for you as well?

ArtClassRN, ADN, RN · Dec 23, 2013

Do not want this to turn into a heated debate I just plan on becoming an LVN and was wondering if I can refuse to perform these or even assist them. I live in California would this be a problem as an LVN?
thank you and happy holidays

Yes, you can refuse to work at a place where any procedure you don't want to participate in is performed.

For instance, if you work at a nursing home, you will never be asked to peform or assist in any surgery.

Good luck!

Mewsin · Dec 23, 2013

I am sure the move to LTC did not prompt the patient circumcision. There are MANY reasons that are medically necessary for a circumcision to be performed...balanoposthitis, inflammation of the head of the member and overlying foreskin, or phimosis, difficulty retracting the foreskin. Both problems are seen more commonly in diabetics, but can occur in any uncircumcised man. They are caused by chronic irritation and scarring and can usually be prevented with careful cleaning beneath the foreskin.

Sorry I wasn't clear, the move itself was not the reason for the circumcision. We actually have a large population of intact men in our community so there were underlying reasons that I was not privy to.

Mewsin · Dec 23, 2013

I'm well aware of where LPNs can work; I was one for 7 years; I still have my license active.
From your OP, my understanding was based in an OB setting, since you stated about abortions and circumcisions; as Esme pointed out, some circumcisions are for the benefit of the patient; will this be an issue for you as well?

I am not the op, I just have been told that when we do our ob rotation I will not be involved in circumcisions, as per my instructors.

DalekRN · Dec 23, 2013

The vast majority of baby boys in this country are circumcised. If you plan on working in maternal/child health inpatient it will be something you deal with at some point. But I don't think most hire LVNs, our unit just stopped hiring them. I think you are safe. But it isnt as big a deal as you might think, it still skeezes me out and I don't like it but I deal with it now.