Ever discussed sexuality with peds patients?

A&Ox6, MSN, RN · Jun 15, 2015

I am a school nurse. I have the "privilege" of being the first one notified when a kid gets her first period in school. I have even learned many of the girl's cycles.

I love being there for the kids when they need to discuss issues that arise with puberty. These range from hormonal acne, hygiene needs, mood swings, and body image. I also often discuss what "sexuality" means for these kids.

I also have a few students who may have gender dysphoria.

I think that a huge part of helping children live safe and emotionally healthy lives is allowing to feel safe discussing these issues.

Emergent, RN · Jun 15, 2015

Sounds like ridiculous research if you ask me. Academia seems obsessed with LGBT, if you ask me. And, if any nurse discussed this with my child, I would sincerely want to wring his or her neck. 6-10 year olds? Good grief.

nursemeanie · Jun 15, 2015

I'm in Peds ER and haven't had any patients quite that young, but have had discussions with many adolescents.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jun 15, 2015

I feel for a topic this sensitive, you would do better to personally contact verified nurses, not rely on on anonymous internet message board where any old weirdo could be looking for just such a topic to weigh in on.

TekkenDanser, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Jun 16, 2015

Thanks for all the input. The study is at its very very beginning stages, so the other two researchers and I are scattering around to explore our options, including nurses' reactions and opinions to the study as well as their experiences or level of exposure. We do keep in mind that using an anonymous forum carries its risks.

One of our ethical considerations is whether or not this topic should be kept as a personal matter between parents and child, but research has shown that children approach healthcare professionals and initiate conversation, rather than the other way around. Sometimes children will more readily tell a provider something they may be embarrassed to disclose with a parent. The study came about for that reason actually.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jun 18, 2015

That is an absolutely valid ethical concern. You would have to obtain proper informed consent from the parents, so you would not be interacting with the children whose parents have strong feelings about being involved in such discussions. And if you were to learn about sexual abuse or behavior from the children, as mandated reporters you would have to share that information, correct (sexual behavior in a pre-pubescent child would make me suspect sexual abuse)?

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jun 18, 2015

And, if any nurse discussed this with my child, I would sincerely want to wring his or her neck. 6-10 year olds? Good grief.

I know, right? While my children are minors in my custody, healthcare discussions do not happen outside of my presence. I turn my back in exam rooms if they are uncovered, but otherwise I consider their discussions w/ providers my obligation to know.

morte, LPN, LVN · Jun 18, 2015

I know, right? While my children are minors in my custody, healthcare discussions do not happen outside of my presence. I turn my back in exam rooms if they are uncovered, but otherwise I consider their discussions w/ providers my obligation to know.

but, you see, that is also who abusers protect themselves. also, the OP has come back to clarify that it is often the child who brings it up to the healthcare provider.

Jory, MSN, APRN, CNM · Jun 18, 2015

The LGBT is not a lifestyle. Eating organic, is a lifestyle. People who exercise regularly, is a lifestyle, but LGBT is not. The reason it is not because it is not a choice any more than you have a "heterosexual lifestyle".

I do not think it is appropriate to ask a child their sexuality unless they are sexually active. A 10 year old is not sexually active and if they have had sex, they are victims of child rape.

They are also on the early onset of puberty and the process if far from complete and even if they are starting to notice differences as far as attractiveness in the opposite sex or same sex at that age, it may change drastically by the time they are 15 or 16.

Parents of young children at that age have very strong opinions of what they want discussed with their children and how much they want them to know. I would not answer a single question to a child of that age without going through the parent first. You'll find yourself, more often than not, in hot water if you go that route on your own.

Jory, MSN, APRN, CNM · Jun 18, 2015

Sounds like ridiculous research if you ask me. Academia seems obsessed with LGBT, if you ask me. And, if any nurse discussed this with my child, I would sincerely want to wring his or her neck. 6-10 year olds? Good grief.

I didn't want to say it like you did, but I 100% agree. I see no point to this type of research.

I think a better research question is how do you assess for sexual abuse in children that young with the parents standing right there.

Emergent, RN · Jun 18, 2015

I didn't want to say it like you did, but I 100% agree. I see no point to this type of research.
I think a better research question is how do you assess for sexual abuse in children that young with the parents standing right there.

I'd like to see research in how we can turn the tide on the sexualization of children by society. The slippery slope has destroyed any sense of propriety in the maintream media. The government has contributed in the destruction of marriage by reserving social benefits to the unmarried. Children are exposed to a constant barrage of crude, shameless pandering to our basest and most prurient inclinations and interests. I'm afraid our society is in such a state of moral decay that it is too late for us. And I'm not talking about LBTG stuff, I don't mind respectable gay couples in the least.