Published Jan 14, 2009
Serendipity, PCT
187 Posts
Is there any way that as a Nurse (2B), I could work specifically with GLBT patients?
Flare, ASN, BSN
4,431 Posts
I am not aware of any specialties that would expose you exclusively to GLBT individuals. You could probably inquire with an organization such as the gay men's health crisis (http://www.gmhc.org) to see what the specific nursing needs of that community are.
Multicollinearity, BSN, RN
3,119 Posts
I suppose you could move and get a job at the one hospital in the United States that does the complete sex reassignment surgeries. I don't know any details - seem to recall it's in the mid-west?
Otherwise, I have no idea. I'm not sure you can work with just that patient population. Except something just occurred to me. There are physicians' offices that specialize in just GLBT patients. Usually it's because the doc is gay or lesbian, bisexual or transgendered.
pink85
127 Posts
There are some psych hospitals that have programs specifically for these individuals. There is a hospital in Colorado that does sexual reassignment. I would 'google' it to find out more info!
leslie :-D
11,191 Posts
oops....nevermind, i misread the question.
my apologies.
leslie
heron, ASN, RN
4,405 Posts
I don't think it's possible to find a facility/clinic that is exclusive to glbt people, but even in these days of assimilation, you can find many "glbt-friendly" venues.
If you're in an urban area, there's probably a glbt newspaper or other local information source. In Boston, for instance, it would be Bay Windows. Cruise through it looking for ads for services ... these are queer or queer-friendly providers. There's often also a local hotline that can be a source of good information. If you are someplace where there's a women's center, try their healthcare listings.
Some cities also have glbt healthcare facilities that survived from the days when we couldn't get sensitive or responsible healthcare anywhere else. Again, in Boston it would be the Fenway Community Health Center (if it's still around).
I think you need to get to know the glbt community where you are (if you don't already) and go from there.
If you want to work specifically with people with gender identity disorder, then finding a facility that does gender reassignment work is a good place to start.
What kind of nursing do you want to do?
hellerd2003, RN
158 Posts
Warning-- the first part of this response will be tongue-in-cheek.
As a Nurse (2B), perhaps you could tell me how to work with only White patients?
As a Nurse (2B), can I work specifically with only Black patients?
As a Nurse (2B), can I work specifically with Hispanics?
Why can't people just work with PEOPLE? I have had multiple nationalities, multiple age groups, multiple gender choices (including the man with breast implants, french manicured nails, facial stubble and a WIFE at bedside), and have just accepted them as my patient at the time. No more, and no less valuable than my other patients. I'm there to help, not judge.
I can accept your passion for GLBT patients, but don't segregate yourself to the point that you will exclude anyone who isn't GLBT. You'll be a smaller person as a result. By excluding people NOT GLBT, you are just as bad as those who actively work to exclude GLBT persons. You're just pointing the discriminatory finger away from your chosen group.
Why can't everyone just get along?
jam2007
94 Posts
I am in MA and there are community health centers that cater to the GLBT community, as well as some non-profit recovery homes. I know they do hire nurses.
Warning-- the first part of this response will be tongue-in-cheek.As a Nurse (2B), perhaps you could tell me how to work with only White patients? As a Nurse (2B), can I work specifically with only Black patients?As a Nurse (2B), can I work specifically with Hispanics?Why can't people just work with PEOPLE? I have had multiple nationalities, multiple age groups, multiple gender choices (including the man with breast implants, french manicured nails, facial stubble and a WIFE at bedside), and have just accepted them as my patient at the time. No more, and no less valuable than my other patients. I'm there to help, not judge.I can accept your passion for GLBT patients, but don't segregate yourself to the point that you will exclude anyone who isn't GLBT. You'll be a smaller person as a result. By excluding people NOT GLBT, you are just as bad as those who actively work to exclude GLBT persons. You're just pointing the discriminatory finger away from your chosen group.Why can't everyone just get along?
I confess I don't understand the desire to work with just one specific population like this. It would seem limiting. But I also know I'm not GLBT, so I can never really understand what it feels like, and the stress they must encounter/experience. So I just think showing a little respect and answering the question simply as it was asked is in order.
Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN
1,787 Posts
I'm sorry, but what is GLBT? I have never heard of this abbreviation and I'm trying to figure it out but nothing is coming to me.
Thanks
I'm sorry, but what is GLBT? I have never heard of this abbreviation and I'm trying to figure it out but nothing is coming to me. Thanks
Acronym for gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered
Thanks Heron.