Do postpartum nurses assist with circumcision?

cubbynurse · Feb 4, 2009

Where I work, if the parents have consented for a circ the baby will be circ'd before discharge. The RN assigned to that mother/baby couplet is responsible for setting up the circ room, applying the emla cream or drawing up the lidocaine, and setting up the baby for the circ. She is also responsible for bringing the baby up for the circ and doing the checks after. I think its something you'd have to ask about in interviews.

BabyLady, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2009

I'm a new grad and aim to secure a postion in L&D but also plan to apply for postpartum units as well. I was wondering if the postpartum nurses assist with circumcisions and if so, to what degree? Is a nurse allowed to decline assisting?
Obviously I am not comfortable with routine circumcision and even less comfortable at the thought of being a part of the procedure.
Thanks!

You'll need to make it known that you will or will not assist and state your exact reason for it to your manager.

They are most likely not going to permit you to pick and choose which circs to assist, and that could present a problem when it's time to circ and you are the only RN available.

Circs are a very personal decision and there are medical pros and cons to circ'ing vs non-circ'ing (please..no circ debate!!!). My decision to circ my son had absolutely nothing to with religion.

I support a parent's desire to circ, however, I will refuse to participate in any circ where full pain control measures (as appropriate) are not exercised.

To me, that is being a patient advocate. Just because the little guy can't speak for himself, doesn't mean he should be shafted in the pain department.