Don't know if this has been asked, weird question...

caliotter3 · Feb 23, 2009

Yes and yes. You get used to it.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Feb 23, 2009

If a patient asks for a same sex CNA or nurse to provide care, you certainally try to accomodate them. Otherwise, most patients understand that you're just there to help, and nothing more. You get over any fears very quickly.

sharpeimom · Feb 23, 2009

I was never a CNA but was a student nurse 100 years ago (or so) and yes it seemed strange and weird to me. I was fortunate that my patient was an elderly retired surgeon in his '90's and he was very very very patient with fumbling blushing uneasy me. He really didn't need all the help I so thoughtfully provided but he was gracious about all my not-quite-needed help and a great first MALE to hone my nursing student skills on. Remember to explain what you're about to do before you do it. Talking to your patient while you provide care puts you both at more ease. Ask about something you watched or saw on TV, for example. It really does get easier the more times you do it. If he happens to have an erection, don't worry because men can get erections from reflex and not be aroused. Just being uncovered can do it.

sharpeimom:paw::paw:

Nina2bRN · Feb 23, 2009

thanks so much for the replies. i kind of figured as much, but never asked anyone..until now lol.

azcna · Feb 23, 2009

It is mildly awkward only at first. During my clinicals I was nervous about it ahead of time, but it's really no big deal. They are used to it, and you get used to it by the 5th or 6th person.

If this helps, I am pretty shy, but when it comes to doing my job it is like second nature :)

sakura_RN · Feb 23, 2009

this is going to sound bad- but once you see one naked body, you've seen them all - I never felt weird and i think it's because i felt like i was taking care of someone who couldnt do it themselves - kinda like a baby - and you figure, the patient is WAY more embarrased than you are (some of them at least)

KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN · Feb 23, 2009

this is going to sound bad- but once you see one naked body, you've seen them all - I never felt weird and i think it's because i felt like i was taking care of someone who couldnt do it themselves - kinda like a baby - and you figure, the patient is WAY more embarrased than you are (some of them at least)

I agree :) I was sort of shy today when we went into a resident's room to help her undress but after awhile I got used to it.

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Feb 24, 2009

CNA work is female-dominated, so you have to take care of both sexes. Where I work there are only 3 male CNAs in the whole place and they all work 3rd shift.

dnp2004 · Feb 24, 2009

Kristina, It becomes easy very quickly. You will realize that our cultures discomfort with the human body is silly. Many of us were taken care of by people of both genders when we were babies. After you see a naked body the Earth keeps spinning, the Sun still shines and the moon will continue to create tides. In other words nothing changes:mad:

Believe it or not, I find the male patients are usually more uncomfortable than the females at least until they get used to you. Regardless of the patients gender, you will find they will become much more relaxed if they sense you are at ease. Always explain what you are going to do. See bath time as an opportunity to look for problems. Many times you will be the only caregiver who will see their entire body. You can spot and report problems that may go unnoticed. Also you might detect subtle mental and/or behavioral changes that the patient maybe experiencing. This will allow you to tell someone who should be aware of this.

Like sharpeimom says, don't fear any erections you may encounter. They are pretty rare. The patient will usually be apologetic and much more red-faced than you. Erections are far move likely right after morning wake-up and/or when the bladder is fairly full. Quadriplegics and even male fetuses have them regulary. So if you encounter one just work as you normally would without being judgmental or nervous.

Also be aware that males may undereport their pain and discomfort. Many of them were raised not to complain or "nag" too much. They will tell you when asked but remember they may communicate it once. While a female patient is more likely to repeat her complaint(s).

cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 24, 2009

Yes, men take care of female patients and women take care of male patients. If your a nursing student then being a CNA will help you get over some of that awkwardness right away before your nursing school clinicals otherwise you will just have to get used to in at that point (but either way it doesn't take long.) If a patient asks for a same sex practitioner you do your best to try to accommodate them but otherwise you just take care of who you are assigned. Good luck!

!Chris :specs:

Nina2bRN · Feb 24, 2009

Thanks so much for all of your replies. I know it would be different at first and I'd get use to it but I wanted to make sure that I wasn't the only one a little apprehensive at first.