prepare a response for the following paragraph “In NYC Health and Hospitals, (2011) a simple statement is made: You need to know who I am. seven words that best sums up how the basic premise of taking care of those who may identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer (LBGTQ). Openly communicating and asking questions without fear of response is the cornerstone of inclusive and competent healthcare. As Margolies et al. (2019) share, knowing someones sexual orientation does not equate into understanding their gender identity, and the same is true transversely. The authors share that the LGBTQ community disproportionately experience greater health disparities; especially as many transect with other under-served minority groups widening the disparities gap. In the video presentation, NYC Health and Hospitals (2011) put forth that in order to truly care for LGBTQ patients, we need to understand their situation as well as how they identify. They share just like understanding their bowel, dietary habits and marital status, we must understand how they identify themselves and how that impacts the life they live. Margolies et al. (2019) share that the majority of LGBTQ patients have experienced discriminatory practices when seeking care. Landry (2017) expresses that nearly 70% of surveyed students who identity as LGBTQ admit to being harassed or bullied. This creates an even more critical need for school nurses to understand the needs of these youths. According to the American Nurses Association [ANA] (2015) nurses have an ethical and moral obligation to care for persons of all backgrounds in a non-judgmental and respectful manner. Learning how to competently care for those who have gender identity and sexual orientation differences is critical.
In the 30 years of nursing, I have yet to experience any cultural training inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity; sadly, I have experienced an environment that only accepted the normo-typical cis-gendered and straight identities. Little recognition and understanding have been given to those who identify differently. Often, it has been perceived as a life choice deserving of fear and mocking- even in the trusted care of professionals. Videos like the NYC Health and Hospitals (2011) where understanding is gained from the real-life experiences are critical. We can speak of how all must be respected but offering healthcare providers the tools to understand the unique needs and experiences of the LGBTQ community helps to garner acceptance and inclusivity. Tools such as referral sources to LGBTQ supportive resources help to empower the provider to assist their patient. Helping to develop adoptable scripts that help the provider ask appropriate and respectful questions that develop an understanding of the patients life experiences will benefit developing a shared plan of care. Cultural sensitivity training is essential to develop a broader understanding of person-centered specific needs. Those who identify as transgendered often have different needs from those who have varying sexual orientation. Along those lines, (Landry, 2017) shares that the vast majority of LGBTQ teens shared that they felt invisible to healthcare providers, a sentiment that was shared in the NYC Health and Hospitals (2011) video. As healthcare providers, we want to deliver outstanding care. In understanding the effect our inner attitudes and experiences may have on how we treat our patients, we can begin to develop a greater cultural competence inclusive of the LGBTQ community. In my practice as a primary care nurse and especially as I move into advanced practice, I will keep the respectful You need to know who I am the driver of my care.”
sources are to be scholarly sources or journals, if journal is used please include the paragraph number within the citation
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