Male RN-assist with pelvic exams?

[walnuttree91]

I'm a male RN, who left ED nursing ten years ago, and just returned. When I left, male nurses had nothing to do with "intimate" procedures on female patients. At my new ER, I have been told that I am to insert foleys and assist male MDs with pelvic exams on female patients.

If anything, I think that all the sexual abuse news should make it even more imperative that I avoid doing these things. Some of the male MDs agree with me. Your opinions?

[missmercy]

A pretty beautiful lady in the state of pain (physical or psychological) is a pt, a human being on suffering, and "that's not attractive for any sane libido".

Could say the same about a pregnant woman, a bleeding-exposed fracture, or any sort of that.

There is no libido but, affection, compassion, tenderness, and a huge gratitude to life for allowing me to add my little help instead

:) :) HOORAY! HOORAY !! HOORAY!!!

Thanks for the professional viewpoint!!:) :)

I know that in a society where sexual offenses are routine as opposed to being a rarity -- we need to be sensative to how our patients are perceiving us,and safeguard our staff from innuendos, accusations and/or potential risks. If a patient is uncomfortable with having a man do personal care for her -- then we find another nurse to do that.... however, our guys are highly professional and qualified staff members and we rarely have women, even attractive ones, request someone else (it is mostly the little old ladies who are extremely modest and are embarrassed to have ANYONE "see them there").

[DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN]

I would hope that a female patient would complain if not comfortable with a male nurse inserting a foley. If she doesn't speak up then don't complain. I definately would have a problem with a male nurse inserting my foley "if" a female was available. On my floor if I get an order for a foley on a male I ask the patient how he feels about it. Some mind some do not. I would not have a problem with a male assisting with my pelvic exam. I'm having a breast reduction in December and have requested an all female scrub crew in the OR. If I weren't having it done in the hospital where I work then I wouldn't care one way or the other. What I am getting at is that there are circumstances to be considered whenever the patient and nurse are a different sex and would depend on the ages of the two involved also.

[CHATSDALE]

I would hope that a female patient would complain if not comfortable with a male nurse inserting a foley. If she doesn't speak up then don't complain. I definately would have a problem with a male nurse inserting my foley "if" a female was available. On my floor if I get an order for a foley on a male I ask the patient how he feels about it. Some mind some do not. I would not have a problem with a male assisting with my pelvic exam. I'm having a breast reduction in December and have requested an all female scrub crew in the OR. If I weren't having it done in the hospital where I work then I wouldn't care one way or the other. What I am getting at is that there are circumstances to be considered whenever the patient and nurse are a different sex and would depend on the ages of the two involved also.

best wishes that your surgery goes well and that you recoup fast....most women whom i know that have had that surgery are happy with the results...

[DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN]

best wishes that your surgery goes well and that you recoup fast....most women whom i know that have had that surgery are happy with the results...

Thanks!!! I have yet to hear someone who was disappointed. Well, I've seen some on TV who weren't but the plastic surgeon was not qualified or wasn't a doctor at all. I have a fantastic plastic surgeon. I've been a EEE cup for too long and finally, at age 49, decided to do something about it. Neck and back pain have gotten out of hand. I can't wait to have normal size Boobs ! They're all I want for Christmas !!!:rotfl:

[fyrelight74]

I have no issues with male or female nurses or doctors doing their jobs. I'm infertile and have had several gyn surgeries and such... doesn't bother me who does what as long as they're good at it!

[mrdoc2005]

I am still in school but I can tell you that we do pelvic exams in ob as long as a female student,nurse,teacher,doc is in the room with us. Just like you though I am concerned about sexual abuse conplaints from Pt or husbands

[mcmike55]

I'm primary surgery and float/help our in ED. I have never helped with a pelvic, even in the days when I worked ED all the time.

Frankly, I don't even know what to set up, all those gels and swabs and stuff!!

In OR I help with D and C's and other gyn type procedures, just like any other nurse. (I'm the only male RN in surgery)

We are a small hospital, and you don't know what's going to come in while on call for surgery, so we have to be able to do it all.

During elective surgery, especially when the procedure is on "one of our own" and they request all females in the room, no problem.

But pelvics in the ED, I would do them if need be, but need some inservice.

But I would rather pass if possible, unless the situation dictated otherwise.

[aquaphoneRN]

To me there are two parts to this thread 1)I will care for anybody.I cannot provide proper care if I am uncomfortable with doing physical exams ,treatments ect... 2)If I am to provide care for a female pt. I will ask if they want a chaperone. Md's should ask if pts if they wanta chaperone. I have heard male nurses that are "insulted' when a female pt is uncomfortable or refuses to allow care. I wonder how they can be so self centered, is it about them or the pt. It is a reality that the majority of abuse victems in our society are female. It is uncaring to not consider this when males are caring for females. I have had pts. over the years with a lot of anxiety relating to a male nurse. If you have time to develope a working relationship this is usually overcome. Who has that time, most often we are busy. Busy or not we are the pts advocate. It is up to us to ensure that pts recieve the best care we can provide. That includes their mental health.

What you just wrote, is sexist and insulting to both "male" nurses and males in general.

Frankly, it's unprofessional, and is certainly not something I would expect from a fellow nurse.

I don't know where you get you information, but I'll be sure to tell my brother who was sexually molested as a child, not to worry because you KNOW abuse victims are typically female!

What studies are you citing, or do you just pull your "facts" from thin air?

[casi, ASN, RN]

What I find is sad is the fact that there are so many sue-happy people who are willing to ruin someones career with false allegations, that male health care workers feel that they have to have a female co-worker present with them for all personal cares.

I've never had a problem with male health care workers doing pelvic exams. I have seen male doctors all my life, and this is something I am personally comfortable with. Oddly enough I've been more uncomfortable having the female medical assistant in the room 'assisting' then I was when they haven't been there. That could have to do with her level of professionalism as well.

I can understand why males like to have females in the room for these exams, and I can understand why female pts. may want someone of the same sex in the room as well. I think it's both parties right to request what they are comfortable with.

[ToryAdore]

Digressing just a bit, I feel bad for the male pt. who, after requesting a male nurse (for whatever reason he's so inclined) is talked about behind his back in the nurses break room about why he doesn't want a female nurse. Most often he's suspected of having a small than average anatomy. It's the reverse double standard actually. If a female pt. requests a female nurse nobody even breaks their stride. I work with some gifted male nurses who have as much expertise as some of the interns we have. Just my .02c

[topamicha]

I hope I never have to do a PE - it kind of ruins one's sex life - don't you agree?:imbar

Good thing women don't feel this way about caring for the reproductive organs of men. Not only would you guys rarely get care, you wouldn't get any sex either.

[Kim O'Therapy, BSN, RN]

Ask yourself what makes it okay for a "male doctor" to examine a female's pelvic region, but a "male nurse" cannot and you will never

feel that you shouldn't again. :)

:yeahthat: :yeahthat: