Concerned about privacy

[SimiVallLaura]

Hello everyone. I've read many posts on the board before joining but I was unable to find anything closely matching my question.I fully understand that the human body, and all its parts, are to be seen from a medical/professional point if view. I'm ok with that, thankful actually (I've been a patient many times!). However, I'm wondering in what kind of situations you, as a student, had to handle male genitalia. I wish to put my husband's concerns to rest and I think I can do that with a clear understanding of what goes on in nursing school.Again, I understand the medical and professional view point. For example, was it mainly among the elderly? Or, in the ICU? Thank you for any help. I have completed pre-reqs at the community college and am looking to transfer into the nursing program at a nearby university.

[LawyerRN2b]

I can't answer your question at all since I am a pre-nursing student, but why should it matter? God- I just hate thinking that the medical profession could be sexualized at all. What fears does your husband have? If he is vocalizing this-- I would think it's his weird problem and not something you have to explain or have to give much thought to. Just my two cents here.

[SimiVallLaura]

I can't answer your question at all since I am a pre-nursing student, but why should it matter? God- I just hate thinking that the medical profession could be sexualized at all. What fears does your husband have? If he is vocalizing this-- I would think it's his weird problem and not something you have to explain or have to give much thought to. Just my two cents here.

I understand what you're saying. I just think the concern comes from not understanding. It should not matter but my husband is a huge part of my life and if he has concerns, I would like to do my best to reassure him.Thanks for your reply.

[nguyency77, CNA]

I am a CNA and I constantly have to deal with male genetalia. I don't like it, but I understand that it's completely from a professional standpoint. I get uncomfortable with certain patients, however. I always get a couple that cross the line and make crass remarks.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I've been a nurse for a long time, and the best I can tell you is, after you've taken care of a few male patients, it gets less and less awkward. Please reassure your husband that nurses don't see anything sexual whatsoever about handling the genitalia.

For one thing, we're wearing gloves, and for another, we just don't think of those structures as anything special. Like any other part of the body, we have to look at and touch the private areas as we clean and assess them, and if necessary report any problems. We do respect the patient's modesty and make sure we don't expose them unnecessarily for HIS comfort, but as far as there being anything weird or unusual about dealing with the genitals....umm, no.