transgender nurse (transvestite)

louloubell1 · Mar 11, 2004

I have to say this is an interesting thread, and it made me think of something....

Not that long ago there was a thread bashing those of us with tattoos and body piercings. If I recall correctly (the thread was closed and I can't check it now) the general consensus seemed to be that no form of body art or modification should be visible in the work setting, and to oppose that was called unprofessional and trashy by many members of this board. All of the prejudice against those of us who choose to have body art was based on the pretext of making the most comfortable and professional environment of care for the patient. Now, just so I'm understanding things right, the general consensus now that we are talking about crossdressing is different. I can dress like a different gender, even change which gender I choose to represent on a day to day basis, but my tongue ring might disturb a patient. Ok, I'll buy that. Sounds reasonable to me. :uhoh3:

Tweety, BSN, RN · Mar 11, 2004

I have to say this is an interesting thread, and it made me think of something....
Not that long ago there was a thread bashing those of us with tattoos and body piercings. If I recall correctly (the thread was closed and I can't check it now) the general consensus seemed to be that no form of body art or modification should be visible in the work setting, and to oppose that was called unprofessional and trashy by many members of this board. All of the prejudice against those of us who choose to have body art was based on the pretext of making the most comfortable and professional environment of care for the patient. Now, just so I'm understanding things right, the general consensus now that we are talking about crossdressing is different. I can dress like a different gender, even change which gender I choose to represent on a day to day basis, but my tongue ring might disturb a patient. Ok, I'll buy that. Sounds reasonable to me.

You could be tatooed from head to toe and peirced from head to toe for all I care. Are you compassionate and knowledgable and safe? Opps....off topic, might stir up some trouble.

Rustyhammer · Mar 11, 2004

What exactly is the difference between transexual, transgender and transvestite. Do the terms pertain to people who are male? I mean born male?

I mean...I guess I'm not sure what I mean thus the question.

-R

Sorry if this question was answered already. I admit I didn't read the whole thread.

lady_jezebel · Mar 11, 2004

What an interesting thread. Stuff I've never thought about before or even realized was an issue, but it's helped me formulate my own stance. I believe that anyone who is 1)dealing with the agony of wanting to be the opposite sex, and 2)dealing with the surgical/hormonal agony of actually going through the transformation, and 3)is able to do well & remain very focused/committed to learning all they can in nursing school MUST make a WONDERFUL nurse! People who have their own life issues usually grow into very compassionate, understanding and open-minded people. This can only benefit the patient!

Additionally, many of our PATIENTS are dealing with some of these issues. Why should they be denied advocates within the field of nursing? People within this profession need to represent the diversity in the general population (ie. black, white, gay, straight, male, female, handicapped, etc...). Only in that way will we best serve our patients.

Michelleroth1 · Mar 11, 2004

What exactly is the difference between transexual, transgender and transvestite. Do the terms pertain to people who are male? I mean born male?
I mean...I guess I'm not sure what I mean thus the question.
-R
Sorry if this question was answered already. I admit I didn't read the whole thread.

Rusty this is a break down

Transexual= MtoF and FtoM these are actively changing gender Through hormone replacement and or surgery

Transvestite = A person who gets a sexual thrill from dressing as the opposite

sex

Transgendered = All the above plus crossdresser, It is just a general all encompassing term

I hope this helps

Michelle

hopefully · Mar 15, 2004

I am a Practical Nursing Instructor. I have had a transgender accepted into my program. He/she is a cross dresser, presents as a female but has male sex organs. I had no control over this person getting in based on numbers only. What are your thoughts on this issue? Should we allow a nurse to take care of the patients who misrepresents their sex? I feel that it is wrong. Nursing is much too personal at times.

It is not right to discriminate against people because of how they are. It is just like discriminating a person because of their race or sexual preference. Discrimination is bad.

stargazer1956 · Mar 17, 2004

Hi

It sounds like this is really bothering you. Is this person really a transvestite or a transgender going through the required stage of living in as the other gender prior to the surgery to convert. My understanding from a coworker who becm a she. They have to live as the sex they have always thought themselves to be for a certain amount of time and go through therapy before they are allowed to go through the surgery. Some never take the final step for whatever reason so they remain stuck in a body they know is not them.

Have a great day and no, it would not bother me to have a transgender as my nurse as long as the are competent.

fireball · Mar 17, 2004

from a perspective of patient rights, i have a problem with this. pt's have a right to know who is giving their care. this in my oppinion includes which sex the nurse is.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2004

I have to say this is an interesting thread, and it made me think of something....
Not that long ago there was a thread bashing those of us with tattoos and body piercings. If I recall correctly (the thread was closed and I can't check it now) the general consensus seemed to be that no form of body art or modification should be visible in the work setting, and to oppose that was called unprofessional and trashy by many members of this board. All of the prejudice against those of us who choose to have body art was based on the pretext of making the most comfortable and professional environment of care for the patient.

And many of those that felt that those that that such art harms the beauty of the human body and teach our children to love their bodies unadorned and eschew unnecessary procedures were also targeted for prejudice from many members as I recall.

But this is a separate issue. Body art/lack of (includings rings and necklaces) is not "essential" to good health and stability. Being true to one's perceived gender IS essential to good health. And we as health care providers, should know the difference.

The other issue was not making the public comfortable, so much as infection control and professionalism. We should not have long artificial nails or any jewelry unless essential, due to infection control. Pierced jewelry (including earrings) falls off, gets caught, carries germs. And I have yet to see where transgendered personnel would carry the same risks for infection that overbejeweled coworkers do.

Just as those of us, that dislike seeing tattoos/piercings, may feel that plastic surgery for correcting cleft palates is okay, because it may be needed for proper eating.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2004

from a perspective of patient rights, i have a problem with this. pt's have a right to know who is giving their care. this in my oppinion includes which sex the nurse is.

The nurse will probably be wearing a name tag that says exactly WHO is giving their care.

Are they also entitled to knowledge our preferred sexual position, favorite food, our religion and a copy of our latest tax returns, too? Don't think so.

Jaaaman · Mar 17, 2004

The nurse will probably be wearing a name tag that says exactly WHO is giving their care.
Are they also entitled to knowledge our preferred sexual position, favorite food, our religion and a copy of our latest tax returns, too? Don't think so.

I have to agree with fireball on this one. As a patient I would want to know the sex of the nurse giving me my care. I have a problem with an individual (in this case a nurse) going from one sex to another. This person I believe is very unstable and would not make a good nurse in my opinion. Nursing is a very difficult profession as it is without including role confusion.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2004

I have a problem with an individual (in this case a nurse) going from one sex to another. This person I believe is very unstable and would not make a good nurse in my opinion. Nursing is a very difficult profession as it is without including role confusion.

As far as I see it, a transgendered person knows exactly what "role" they are, there is no confusion. They just want their body to match what they are.

Do you consider all transgendered to be "unstable"?