How can I work specifically with GLBT patients?

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Is there any way that as a Nurse (2B), I could work specifically with GLBT patients?

Specializes in School Nursing, Pedi., Critical Care.

zuzi, I am relaxed. I just could not understand a word you were trying to say. Especially in the first paragraph... sorry!

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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?

U took the words right out of my mouth...if the OP wanted to only work with a specific race or religion then she/he would get flamed...and rightfully so....exclusion of anyone is wrong....:twocents:

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U took the words right out of my mouth...if the OP wanted to only work with a specific race or religion then she/he would get flamed...and rightfully so....exclusion of anyone is wrong....:twocents:

excuse me?

wanting to work w/a population who are often stigmatized, judged, underserved and rejected, is wrong?????

my goodness...

what was i thinking???

leslie

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Specializes in EMS, ER, GI, PCU/Telemetry.
U took the words right out of my mouth...if the OP wanted to only work with a specific race or religion then she/he would get flamed...and rightfully so....exclusion of anyone is wrong....:twocents:

i really don't think that the OP was trying to exclude everyone but the GLBT community. they stated they were interested in working with pts in this population.

how is that different than me working in the ER and not wanting to float to post partum? we all have our specialties in nrsg.... that's what makes it so great! i graduated nrsg school with a girl who only wanted to work with AIDS pts and another with homeless pts. they are doing wonderful things!

the GLBT community, like leslie said, is often ridiculed and underserved..... i admire the OP for reaching out.

geez.

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Specializes in Telemetry, Med-Surg, ED, Psych.

I think it is wonderful for you to want to specifically want to work with my community (Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender) of individuals. Many times in the standard medical system in the united states the GLBT community of patients is shunned, disscriminated, and treated poorly with false information or stereotypes simply cause we are gay. There are certain cities with a higher population of GLBT clients such as San Franciso, Palm Springs, Miami, New York City, Los Angeles, and San Antonio. However, GLBT are in every community all over the world.

Educate yourself and be realistic. Advocate for the proper and ethical treatment of the GLBT community. For years the GLBT community has been abused by the medical/healthcare system, and its only been relatively recently that the DSM removed "HOMOSEXUALITY" as a mental illness (I believe it was removed in 1974).

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One possibility would be to work with a plastic surgeon who specializes in Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS). You will see natal women as patients, but mostly it will be male-to-female (MtF) persons. Also, a clinic that specializes in Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT) would be a good place to look. :yeah:

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My intention was not to exclude people who are not GLBT. I just have a particular interest in working with GLBT communities. For example, people in transition (Transgender) Post-Op and Pre-Op, maybe working in a GLBT youth shelter for example etc. Much like other people choose to work with only children, women, or patients in need of genital evaluation (Gyno), I just have an interest in working with GLBT. I dont see how you are equating this interest with being racist or bias.

If you have a calling to work with the GLBT community you should follow your heart. I'm sure you will be a blessing to some people who aren't always treated with the respect and care they deserve. Best of luck to you. :wink2:

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care, Gero, dementia.

My city is very blessed to have a well supported org for homeless youth -- there is a medical clinic, a tattoo removal service, housing, counseling, etc.

And yes, a lot of the homeless youth are LGBT. So that would be one way to approach it -- see if there is an org serving that population.

Some (very rare) cities have LTC that is either queer friendly, queer welcoming, or queer focused. Another way to work w/the population.

Look for any local health organizations that serve under served populations, or queer orgs that may be able to point you in the direction you want to go -- or, if needs are not being met, and there are no queer-friendly healthcare providers, look at making something possible!

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.
So I just think showing a little respect and answering the question simply as it was asked is in order.

:twocents:

But yet...you didn't.

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U took the words right out of my mouth...if the OP wanted to only work with a specific race or religion then she/he would get flamed...and rightfully so....exclusion of anyone is wrong....:twocents:

So people who come here, posting requests for information about how to work with pregnant teens, babies, pediatrics, veterans, psych pts, the homeless, at camps for kids with disabilities, diabetics, poor women (or poor people in general), Native tribes, other specific groups, particularly underserved groups....all those people are wrong and exclusionary, and should be flamed? Interesting.

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Specializes in CV Surgical, ICU.
But yet...you didn't.

Actually she did. Second post. :yeah:

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.
Actually she did. Second post. :yeah:

She didn't in that post which I responded to. It was as much spam as the one she was complaining about (and as this one, and yours, and my other one).

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