Nudity in healthcare classes education or violation?

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I can count two classes where one or more people were asked to disrobe in class.

The first time this happened, we all understood that this had multiple purposes. First it was to teach us how to be empathetic to the patients since we would be undressing them.

Second, we had to learn procedures the way they're supposed to be done.

The R.N. teacher let us know ahead of time what we would be doing.

The classmate I got paired me up with was trustworthy and I had no problems with her.

The second time I was in a class that required nudity, was a few years later in one of those schools that only cares about making money and not about the students.

The teacher did not tell us that someone would be asked to disrobe.

Instead it was, "Who wants to be the subject?" Since I did not know what I was getting into, I got on the table.

I was laying there in front of a class that had both men and woman while the lecture went on.

When they went to take my shirt off and required me to be exposed

I adamantly refused to cooperate. Another student had to take my place.

It's been several years but I remember being offended that they would put someone on the table in front of their classmates and expect them to have their shirt taken off without telling them first before they asked someone to volunteer.

I remember being treated as if I was terribly shallow and self-involved because I would not allow them to take advantage of me this way.

Was this my own misinterpretation, I'm not sure.

I do know I was so insulted by them talking about my "attitude" that I contacted my teachers later on only to find out they did not even make those comments on my grade report. Instead, it was the owner of this school who was already getting complaints.

I was so offended that I sent a letter to the state board who adamantly sided with the school and informed me that it was for the purpose of education.

I do think it makes a difference how this is handled and no one should be obligated to get exploited for educational purposes.

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

The program I was in did not allow people to be nude; for health assessment we had to wear shorts and a sports bra; we were informed of this in the beginning of the course; modesty was upheld.

Specializes in Peds(PICU, NICU float), PDN, ICU.

Completely unnecessary. If the student chooses to volunteer for that, it's one thing. But the instructor handled that poorly. It should never be mandatory to undress in front of classmates. I agree with practicing what you can on a person. But mannequins are made for practice...especially invasive procedures. I personally wouldn't be ok with shorts and a sports bra as one poster mentioned. What about students with tattoos that are offensive or meant for their SO? Or students with an embarrassing medical issue that they want to keep private? What about religious beliefs or morals/values? What about the overweight student that may be more self conscious? The awkward moment a new student walks into the wrong classroom or an administrator walks in? Or the pregnant student that isn't ready to make that announcement yet? How about the student that has anxiety about having a procedure done to them? Maybe it's winter and the student didn't shave? And what about the student whose husband has requested that she only have female providers? Most classes have males in them. This should be completely up to the student. If it's really no big deal to the instructor, why doesn't the instructor volunteer herself? The instructor could critique the student better anyway. Nobody should be forced to remove their clothes against their will. Nobody should be forced to be practiced on.

I'll volunteer my arm for an IV/blood draw, bp, etc. I'll let anyone listen to me with a stethoscope. But tricking me or forcing me to take my clothes off is way out of line. And if I was told up front nudity was a requirement, I'd skip those days in school or find a more respectful school.

We had a portion that required us to strip to underwear when learning assessment. However, we were notified in advance, encouraged to wear bike shorts and a sports bra, paired with a same sex partner, and we had curtains for privacy. The only person other than your partner that saw you was the instructor. If I had advanced warning and was wearing a workout tank or sports bra I don't think I'd care since my male classmates were such good sports when I was learning trauma for EMS. It just isn't a big deal for me. I don't think I'd be willing to take my shirt off in the middle of class without warning though and everyone has the right to make the decision for themselves.

Was there music playing? They provided that in Schindler's list.

Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I would have to look up NLN or AACN policy on this. That is SO not right. We did over clothes assessments and had a SIM lab. I agree with poster about the professional patients for med or NP school (one of my colleagues who is in NP school spent a Sat a few weeks ago where they did pelvic and prostate exams on the professional patients. Couldn't imagine! Hope they get paid well)

Specializes in Emergency.

Any way I can get naked, I'm down with the clown. :p

In all seriousness though, I think it's cool that the teacher is actually requesting the students to disrobe. You get first hand experience in seeing if the patient could be uncomfortable. Our school practices only on mannequins. A mannequin's member or lady parts just isn't the same as a real human's... ;p

Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

From my dim recollection of school back in the 20th century, if any clothing was to be removed, modesty was maintained by donning a gown, and working around that. No one was ever exposed.

No, I would not have disrobed. Then again, I went to an accredited school that did not even suggest such a thing. Our PATIENTS were dressed, gowned, naked, or something in between. Our CLASSMATES were dressed appropriately. When necessary for an instructor to teach something that required an undressed human form (and NOT a live patient), there were medical mannequins for that purpose.

I, too, though, am wondering what made you bring this up years later....? How many years have gone by...and why post the topic now?

Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.
Your title implies that you were naked. You were not naked but you were exposed and yes you should have the right of refusal.

And she did refuse and she was allowed to step down. Problem solved.

As for the OP, total nudity is not necessary, however somethings, such as a head to to assessment, does require the person being examined to wear skimpy clothes. In my school, women were told to wear a sports bra and shorts. Anything requiring "full" nudity--mannequins.

Specializes in Home Health (PDN), Camp Nursing.

The exact situation was never described by the OP. I doubt the school has students completely nude. I'm sure the volunteer had be be exposed, but I doubt it was a peri area. It was a volunteer option which the OP chose to not do after she felt it wasn't for her. She seems upset that the teachers and administrators were not supportive of this, but I really wonder if that was perceived or actual. Either way I'm sure they weren't thrilled after the state came poking around the incident.

I use my phone, to type, I work at night, and I'm a bad speller. Pick any reason you want for my misspellings

Specializes in ICU.

I am not really understanding why there is an issue now. This happened several years ago, you refused, no action was taken against you, and you have left the school. If you are still having issues, then I would speak to a counselor. A certified one, not a classmate. I could say several things here, but I am not going to. Did you write this to get people "on your side", is there an issue now? Is the new school asking you to derobe?

Let it go and don't hold on to the past. That is self-destructive behavior. You will never be happy in life if you hold on to things from years ago that didn't cause you any issues.

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I am not really understanding why there is an issue now. This happened several years ago, you refused, no action was taken against you, and you have left the school. If you are still having issues, then I would speak to a counselor. A certified one, not a classmate. I could say several things here, but I am not going to. Did you write this to get people "on your side", is there an issue now? Is the new school asking you to derobe?

Let it go and don't hold on to the past. That is self-destructive behavior. You will never be happy in life if you hold on to things from years ago that didn't cause you any issues.

THIS.

I just find it baffling that this is no longer an issue...if your current program (are you even in one?) is requiring "practice" for lab, Is this an issue NOW, or are you apprehensive about that coming up again, then I would talk to the program head, otherwise, I would suggest that you speak to a professional about this issue which has traumatized you to the point that you are discussing this on a message board long after the incident.

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