Categories: Scrubs

Guide helps nurses care for LGBT patients

“Straight for Equality in Healthcare,” the latest guide released by PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), promises to helpÂ caregiversÂ provide competent, compassionate care.
“For many healthcare providers, it isn’t a case of not wanting to be inclusive ofÂ lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients, but rather a sense that it isn’t an issue — or, when it is, confusion about how to talk around it — that gets in the way,” said Jody M. Huckaby, PFLAG’s Executive Director.

The new guide was created with the assistance of a diverse community of healthcare professionals, including nurses.Â Topics include:

The case for inclusion
Understanding and identifying personal barriers around LGBT issues — and how to overcome them
Simple, non-political ways to signal acceptance

The guide also includes sample inclusive intake forms, nondiscrimination policies and links to other resources.Â Â It can be downloaded for free at www.straightforequality.org.

Jennifer Fink, RN, BSN

Jennifer is a professional freelance writer with over eight years experience as a hospital nurse. She has clinical experience in adult health, including med-surg, geriatrics and transplant; she also has a particular interest in women’s health and cancer care. Jennifer has written a variety of health and parenting articles for national publications.