Circumcision

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I am not a nursing student yet, but I figured current nursing students would have better knowledge.

I am extremely against routine infant circumcision. Would I be forced to sit in on them or participate in them during nursing school? I have no plans in working a place that performs them if and when I complete it. Just wondering. And if they do make you, would they understand if I took no part in it?

Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.
I feel like I know what you mean by "Some of the crap" and that's why I'll never want to work on L&D floor. :)

I'm guessing you probably have an idea of exactly what I mean...

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I'm guessing you probably have an idea of exactly what I mean...

Care to share? I'm looking to enter L&D and I'm curious as to why you left

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I'm guessing you probably have an idea of exactly what I mean...

Would you mind sharing? I'm trying to get into L&D and I'm interested why you left

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Specializes in ER trauma, ICU - trauma, neuro surgical.

I had the option of observing during my OB rotation. The instructors didn't make anyone go. With the two that I saw, the doctors used lidocaine and there wasn't even a cry. So, I'm glad I got to see the procedure. There were some that didn't want to go and they just waited outside and it was a non-issue. I'd say all's good.

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Specializes in Pedi.

We were required to observe them if they were happening while we were in the nursery during my Maternity rotation. I think I saw one or two.

You may often be required to observe things in nursing school that you have already made up your mind about. Doing so may affirm or challenge your beliefs. For example, prior to my psych rotation, my opinion on electroconvulsive therapy was based on what I'd read in books... One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and/or Girl, Interrupted. When I actually observed it- it was done as maintenance therapy to patients who were stable in the community. They walked in, got sedated, had a 5 minute procedure, recovered and then left. It wasn't at all like what I thought it would be and many of these patients, if asked, would say that this treatment was the only thing that made a difference to them and allowed them to live functional lives.

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

I am also very uncomfortable with the idea of infant circumcision. I never had to observe one in nursing school, but I also feel at that level I would have been able to opt out. As a staff nurse I have never worked L&D so I thought I was free from the controversy, but my one employer cross trained me for NICU, where many of the male infants are circumcised before discharge. Several times I was assigned a male scheduled for a circumcision and each time the Dr ended up having an emergency and had to post pone. I am not sure I would have been comfortable assisting, but I also understood it was part of the responsibility my job entailed

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I observed one while doing my OB rotation, the doc asked our group if it was medically necessary, I was quick to say No. He then proceeded to agree with me, and explain that it is indeed a cosmetic procedure. I was glad I got to be a part of that, then I promptly comforted the infant afterward. The point I am making here, is even when you are against something morally, does not mean everyone is and it is possible to still be a great nurse even if you do not agree with the patients decision (Which I might add will likely happen to all nurses at some point).

Signed,

Mom of two intact boys :)

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
As a nursing student you shouldn't have any parts of a circ. You may have an opportunity to watch but I can't see any school or facility allowing a student nurse to participate.

I did as a student. I wasn't working the cutting implement but I participated in the procedure. I can't say it was the most pleasant experience--I imagine it was twice as bad for the little guy--but I was offered the opportunity and said Yes.

OP: I honestly can't see you being forced to participate in a circumcision; more than likely you'll be offered the chance to watch. Should the opportunity to participate and/or observe a circumcision present itself, you can always respectfully decline.

Though if you decide to go into L&D/post-partum, keep in mind that you could come across circumcisions fairly frequently.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.

I did as a student. I wasn't working the cutting implement but I participated in the procedure. I can't say it was the most pleasant experience--I imagine it was twice as bad for the little guy--but I was offered the opportunity and said Yes.

OP: I honestly can't see you being forced to participate in a circumcision; more than likely you'll be offered the chance to watch. Should the opportunity to participate and/or observe a circumcision present itself, you can always respectfully decline.

Though if you decide to go into L&D/post-partum, keep in mind that you could come across circumcisions fairly frequently.

They allowed you to participate? I have to ask in what way they allowed this. Like I said...watching one is likely. A student nurse shouldn't have any parts of active participation (I don't really include holding a pacifier dipped in sugar water as participating) in a circ.

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Specializes in Psych.
We were required to observe them if they were happening while we were in the nursery during my Maternity rotation. I think I saw one or two.

You may often be required to observe things in nursing school that you have already made up your mind about. Doing so may affirm or challenge your beliefs. For example, prior to my psych rotation, my opinion on electroconvulsive therapy was based on what I'd read in books... One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and/or Girl, Interrupted. When I actually observed it- it was done as maintenance therapy to patients who were stable in the community. They walked in, got sedated, had a 5 minute procedure, recovered and then left. It wasn't at all like what I thought it would be and many of these patients, if asked, would say that this treatment was the only thing that made a difference to them and allowed them to live functional lives.

I gotta say ECT and circs totally different. ECT is ALWAYS done as a therapeutic measure usually as a last resort and the Pt has full informed consent. I work in an ECT facility and I have literally seen it work wonders, almost to a magical degree. We have an elderly man right now who has been with us since May. He was committed with such severe depression he had basically no affect, refused to leave his room, literally could not get oob to use the toilet. We had depends on him, but there was no medical reason for him to be incontinent. He has had just a few procedures and he is a totally different person. Still quiet but leaves his room, is easy to engage and he actually HAS an affect now. Smiles and laughs instead of that shut down glazed over look.

I am also not fond of circs. I observed one in NS and it solidified my belief. I think for many of the women in the general population, if they ever actually saw a circ done, they would choose otherwise. Religious reasons are totally different. I would never begrudge parents who circ for religious reasons.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
They allowed you to participate? I have to ask in what way they allowed this.

I wish I knew. I was offered the chance to go to it with my CI's consent; next thing I know the nurse leaves and it's just me and the MD.

Yeah.

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I admire your convictions. However....your personal opinions/beliefs belong to you OUTSIDE of the hospital. Patients personal beliefs and in some cases religious beliefs...are your responsibility as a nurse to protect and respect.

I know you are not going to like what I have to say.....

To say that you will NOT work at a facility that performs circumcisions will eliminate many facilities with obstetrical units........... there are still circumcisions that are performed for medical reasons way into adulthood. You will be severely limiting your field of employment in a poor economic time where nursing unemployment in some areas of the country are as high as 47%....and a saturated new grad environment which is EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE with hundreds of applicants for a very few positions available.

You will eliminate yourself from the job market.

what is more important.........As a nurse your personal opinion, in many ways, doesn't count.....it is NOT about you but about the patient. You can't argue or shame a Jewish mother about the circumcision of her son because you personally are not an advocate of that procedure. Your job....is to care fore that mother and baby and educate them about the proper care of the baby after discharge...which has NOTING what so ever to do with your personal beliefs.

I admire your way with words...unfortunately, there are always going to be racists, chauvinists, criminals, zealots, and people that just have different convictions than you. Part of nursing is respecting the patient and putting aside your own opinions, even though that can be very difficult!!!

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