Does a patient have the right to refuse to allow students to witness their procedure?

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I ask because I am scheduled to be in L&D at 7am for an induction and the hospital is full of students right now and from two schools: a PN program and an ADN program.

I really do not like the idea of wide-eyed students looking at my big fat naked rear end spread out on a table. I know I was a student once but the feeling is a little different when you're the one under the microscope.

Can I refuse to allow the students to watch? I don't want to be difficult, I don't mind being visited while the labor progresses but when it's time for Jr. to crown I really want only the necessary people there.

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Yes, you have an absolute right refuse.

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Yes, you have an absolute right refuse.

That makes me feel better. I was afraid they may tell me something like, sorry, that's part of the package...:uhoh3:

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congratulations and best of everything for you and your family!:balloons:

leslie

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That would really suck if it were part of the package! ;)

I know a lot of people refuse us in clinicals, and some are totally happy having 10 students watching/performing just about anything. I know I wouldn't want to cause a pregnant mother any more stress...

Congrats... enjoy the new addition!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PACU.

My sister said that she told the wannabe observers that the only way she would consent would be at $500.00 per head-she had no takers :lol2:

Best Wishes for you and the little one

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Specializes in SRNA.

First, congratulations! I can't wait to hear all about it! I wish you a healthy birth and baby!

Be sure to let your nurse know that you do not want students observing. When I had my L&D rotation, one L&D nurse kept trying to pull me into patient rooms when they started pushing.

Each time I asked her if she asked the patient if it was okay if a student watched...I had to make her go ask, but one time she responded, "At this point, she isn't going to care who's in the room," to which I said, "Well, I care." I was extra cautious about getting consents since I'm a guy and I was SO nervous about my OB rotation...I did not want to be the unwelcome observer!

Have a great day tomorrow, Motorcycle Mama!

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Absolutely you have the right to refuse! I was refused twice as a student: once was a man who was uncomfortable about dropping his pants in front of a woman, and the second was a laboring mom and her husband. The first I understood, the second was fine with me because the dynamics between the couple were weird anyway.

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I've both consented as a patient and refused. One time the doctor had a student and used deception to get me to consent. I was out of it and did not figure out what she had done until after my head cleared. She also attempted to get me to falsify a claim for medical benefits. I subsequently stopped seeing this doctor. A good case for having someone go with you to the doctor or ER when you can't really represent your own best interests.

Best wishes on your new arrival.

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When I was in labor, they had a female student as well. I was in so much pain that I didn't even care. It was too late for me to get an epidural. *GOOD TIMES, GOOD TIMES*

If refusing a student to be present will make you feel better, then go for it.

Best wishes and Congrats on the baby!

:balloons: :balloons: AND TO THE LITTLE BUNDLE OF JOY, :welcome:

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Congratulations! I'm excited for you.

I'm about to be a student this Fall, and I would not want a patient to be uncomfortable if I observe or perform a procedure on them if they weren't ok with it.

It's ok, everyone is different.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

congratulations

I too would not want to be in a room observing if the patient wasn't comfortable

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