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Male nurses and the protection of female patient dignity
Antony Prideaux Staff nurse, Severn ward, Tewkesbury Community Hospital, Gloucester
Nurses need to be aware of their professional, legal and ethical responsibilities towards patients. Male nurses in particular face problems in their practice as a result of their gender and the stereotypes associated with male nurses. Such stereotypes can act as a barrier to their duty of care. This article examines the challenges associated with male nurses carrying out intimate, physical care. It discusses the ethical, legal and professional issues that male nurses should consider in relation to maintenance of patient dignity during nursing care provision, particularly in relation to female patients.
Nursing Standard. 25, 13, 42-49. doi: 10.7748/ns2010.12.25.13.42.c8121
Correspondence Peer reviewThis article has been subject to double blind peer review