transgender nurse (transvestite)

Gldngrl · Jan 21, 2004

Another round of thanks FNP grrl for those links...you've opened my eyes to the complexities surrounding transgender law and some of those cases provides a lot of food for thought.

Michelleroth1 · Jan 21, 2004

I am a 42 year old transexual nursing student. I've been presenting my self as a woman for over a year. My gender issues dont effect my ablities as a nurse It serves to better my abilities to care for people male or female I have been on HRT for a while now. People, other nurses and patients that ask i answer all questions truthfully. Bathrooms should not be an issue as the ladies rooms I use have stalls my male gentials dont function anymore and i have little or no sex drive due to the HRT. The real issue would be were to change clothes if the need arises. But that is an issue that needs to be addressed when it becomes appropreate to do so. I have been discriminated against many time due to my gender identity disorder. My own mother a nurse of over 30years cant deal with. I know I have a hard path ahead. But it is my only path. I hope this helps others anyone with questions and concrens may feel free to email me and i will address each letter honestly.

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Jan 21, 2004

Welcome to Allnurses, Michelle. :)

ERNUTBALL · Jan 21, 2004

Bravo Michelle! I am sure you will make an excellent nurse. And, yes, I am sure that the adversities and discrimination you have faced have made you a more compassionate, caring and understanding preson than most. My best to you and your endeavors!

athomas91 · Jan 21, 2004

Great Post Michelle...i am sorry that you have had such a hard road!!

in your opinion, would it be better for this student to be closer to the end of the transformation prior to starting nursing school (less facial hair, consistent dressing as a female?)

it seems that it may make it easier on the student....

Michelleroth1 · Jan 21, 2004

Yes I believe this student needs to present a female appearance

that is professional. She should not come to class or clinical male one day and female the next. If she is Male to Female never facial hair, makeup and hair should in accordance with good nursing practices. Mine always are! I wish her the best of luck in her schooling as well. And thank you to everyone who realize the outside appearance changes but the heart remain the same

FNP grrl · Jan 21, 2004

thank you so much for adding your voice here, michelle. i admire your courage and integrity. you will be an asset to the nursing profession, i have no doubt. best of luck to you.

Michelleroth1 · Jan 21, 2004

That is always my goal strive to be better and learn everything I can I appreciate the warm thoughs

bigfishsmallpond · Jan 21, 2004

We have several trasgendered and transexual nurses working here, and they have done really well. One works in OB, and I know she has had an uphill battle, but then , so have male nurses who want to work in these areas.

I think the nursing instructor should talk w/her, and agree on how she will dress, change clothes, present herself, tec., and then she should give inservices to the other students! We could all learn alot. we claim we are non-judgemental, but we have a long way to go!

hawaiit · Jan 21, 2004

Welcome Michelle, from a 59 yr. old, 4 year post-op, transsexual woman, graduating nurse. You sound intelligent, dedicated, and caring, you should consider going into nursing! They need people like you.

You will have a battle ahead of you, probably not so much from the patients but from your coworkers, family and former friends typically. As a chiropractor and natural health care practioner I encountered little opposition from patients eager for help who could sense and hear genuine concern and ability to care for their health. I am a small person, and asset, but with a voice like Ross Perot, not an asset, yet he "managed to get by" and so will you. You would have as much opposition outside of nursing so don't let that ever drive you away.

Don't listen to others talking about putting your career off until your transition is complete, Your transition will be continous for many years to come, as will mine. The genital surgery is only a private and small part of the transition. From puberty to young woman to mature woman takes maybe 10 years. Most commentators have no knowledge of what their talking about. I don't know anything about most subjects but I have opions about all subjects. So follow your own heart, thats why God gave you one, and take advantage of the freedoms this country has to offer; don't be enslaved by the opions and prejudices of "Judiths' who pretend to care so much for the poor".

Parents take an average of 7 years to remember who their children are in our community; to realize we are 'not our own creation' , and that the laws of natural selection apply to natures animal kingdom, not to civilization. Never forget you have a Father in Heaven who will never forsake you if you accept Him as you wish the world to accept you. Be patient with those who oppose you; be a light unto them by being successful, in that which they oppose, as they walk in darkness. Some prefer to walk in darkness, others need only to be shown the light. In that way they too can become better people, better nurses. In that way you will help their patients as much as your own. You maybe transgendered as a higher calling to serve not only God, and your patients, but your enemies also; are they not also the sick. You will then be "pouring heapng coals of fire on their heads" for your Father to take care of. Pray hard for them for He will indeed take care of them. Turn your other cheek to them, but don't let them knock you down. He has already put His angels out there to watch over and protect you. You only need to accept your Father and authorize them. Its Gods way to give to the world; the poor to judge the rich. the slow to judge the wise, the weak to judge the strong and the humble to judge the wicked, the sinners to judge the self righteous. Consider yourself blessed, not cursed, so those who curse you can be healed. The American Indians considered the 'squaw-men' among them blessed. Let God make you a "fisher of men". let your enemies be you patients also and you wil be blessed.

Those same private toilet stalls can serve as an adequate dressing room, you won't be changing that much at work.

PS My gynecologist, very successful and popular is transgenered!

God Bless you,

Streamlined · Jan 22, 2004

Dear Nurse Cathy, Please remember that this is a human being that you're talking about. If you're uncomfortable, why don't you take a moment to sit down with her and get to know her. Ask her what pronoun to use, for example. She has all the answers for you if only you would ask the questions. She knows you're uncomfortable and she wishes you weren't. She wants to succeed in life just as any person would. She wants to take care of others, just as any nurse does. There is no right or wrong other than it is wrong not to treat another as you would wish to be treated. Make her a friend and both of you will prosper. Now, should it be that she's an incompetent numbskull, kick her ass out of the program, just as you would any sub-standard student.

SharonH, RN · Jan 22, 2004

Thanks hawaiit and Michelle for your perspectives and welcome to allnurses!