LGBTQ Identity, Nursing Education, and Culturally Safe Care: Suggestions for Educators

Abstract

Fifty years have passed since the Stonewall uprising in New York City, signalling the beginning of the modern gay rights movement. Nursing and schools of nursing have a long history of heteronormativity, despite the profession being populated by women who were either members of a religious affiliation or lesbians in hiding. This article explores the historical background of nursing as a profession, the provision of healthcare to LGBTQ individuals, what educators need to include in curriculum, and finally several suggestions are provided for educators wondering how to introduce the content.

Untitled

“…The metrics from this project could support initiatives for modifying the environment to become more welcoming to the cohort. The environment should include LGBTQ+ illustrations and LGBTQ+ related information and handouts for this population and their families (Rickards, 2019;NLHEC, n.d.). Some examples include LGBTQ+ rainbow stickers, flags, or decals on I.D.…”

“…Policies, protocols, and continuing professional education of agencies that serve this population should include a sex education curriculum. The staff development competency goals include assisting these individuals in making current and educated choices about their well-being, sexuality, support, and promotion of their relationships (McCann & Brown, 2019;Rickards, 2019).…”

“…Nursing and ancillary staff education should incorporate exercises to facilitate self-assessment and self-reflection about their preconceived, implicit biases, personal prejudices about the cohort, and knowledge deficits that might adversely impact their attitude and support towards these individuals. Also, the curriculum should include knowledge deficits that might adversely affect nursing and support staff's attitude and caring towards this group of individuals (McCann & Brown, 2019;Rickards, 2019). The curriculum should discuss issues about ableism, transphobia, and homophobia.…”