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Gender discrimination in healthcare essay
The effects of gender discrimination
Reflections on diversity in nursing and its history
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Inclusion for transgender patients across all sectors of healthcare is critical to nursing because “[r]especting and caring for patients is at the very core of what the nursing profession stands for” (Cicero & Black, 2016, p. 28). The RNAO (2007) is “committed to speaking out against discrimination and social exclusion based on sexual orientation and gender identity” (p. 3). By having “an opportunity to be leaders in advocating for gender diversity” (p. 116), nurses are not only in a pivotal position to change transgender patients’ healthcare experiences, but they also have the influence to educate society as well as healthcare providers who lack knowledge and awareness on transgender health (Merryfeather & Bruce, 2014). However, if nurses fail to be educated about transgender inclusivity, “they will be unable to provide competent, compassionate, and ethical care” (p. 111) to transgender patients, and potentially cause unintended harm (Merryfeather & Bruce, 2014). Nursing education emphasizes on the importance of developing therapeutic nurse-client relationships to understand the perspective and needs of patients. However, it often fails “to adequately recognize the implications that gender identities have for comprehensive and appropriate healthcare delivery” (Kellett & Fitton, 2017, p. 1). The therapeutic relationship cannot be established if there is discrimination from nurses due to their lack of awareness and empathy, as well as the stigma surrounding the transgender population. …show more content…
28).
The medicalization of transgender tendencies, under what was Gender Identity Disorder, was demoralizing to all transgender people. This resulted in a form of structured and institutionalized inequality that made an entire group of people internalize their problems, making them question not only their own identity, but also their sanity. Therefore, the removal of this disorder from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 2013 and the newest editions was important in that it shows society’s recognition and acceptance of the transgender
Many transgender people lived in dysfunctional families when they were young. The support becomes vital for the wellbeing of kids. In her book Redefining Realness by Janet Mock, recaps the importance of support from Michelle his cousin, who kept in secrets of gender dysphoria of Charles (Keisha) by saying “‘Pinkie –swear you won’t tell your mom’…She’d keep the secret my secret because I was her favorite cousin” (Mook 76). Michelle, kept Keisha’s secret by allowing her to use her swimming clothes. Michelle shows the importance of support from relatives. This is a fundamental factor that might help with the development of her gender identity. Many transgender people may feel a relief at the time to disclose their identity. When transition is in progress the support from friends and families becomes important because, many transgender people might suffer if they lack support. Many transgender people seem depressed because they are rejected by society. Janet Mock, relates how Wendi, support Charles, by making him feel comfortable, saying “Wendi and I grew inseparable trough middle school, a bond that would link us for the rest of our lives. Through association, my class –mates learned that I was like Wendi-who hadn’t yet adopted any labels to describe her shifting self” (Mook 107). In most cases transgender people’s acquaintances can be referred as transgender people just by friendship. The association makes transgender people to gain confidence about their gender identity. The support from groups or friends makes transgender people feel that they are accepted and not alone. Support from friends might urge transgender people to come out the “closet” and reveal their gender identity to gain respect among society. The support from friends is important, but family support seems to be the most important. When families do not support transgender people it causes a hostile environment that may suppress
In conclusion, keeping Gender Dysphoria as a diagnosis aids the most vulnerable population in seeking treatment and care, options, protection, and guidance. As society and medicine moves forward, we may be able to steer away from mental health bias and general discrimination towards non-conformity, but for now it is important to protect the patients who are helped by the diagnosis. Gender Dysphoria currently allows patients to be treated under their insurance, have access to care, and fight for their
Mental health professional have tried to correct their ‘‘gender identity disorder’’ with brutal aversion therapies. Tran’s youth who came out often faced crises throughout their family and social systems. Once out, developing a sense of realness about their new gender became extremely important. An urgent need develops ‘‘to match one’s exterior with one’s interior’’ In ad...
Current literature continues to reiterate the indicators of a major shortage of registered nurses (RNs) in the United States. The total RN population has been increasing since 1980, which means that we have more RNs in this country than ever before (Nursing Shortage). Even though the RN population is increasing, it is growing at a much slower rate then when compared to the rate of growth of the U.S. population (Nursing Shortage). We are seeing less skilled nurses “at a time of an increasingly aging population with complex care needs and an increasingly complex technological care environment” (Mion). According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Health and Human Services, it is estimated that “more than a million new and replacement nurses will be needed over the next decade” (Diagnosis: Critical).
Diversity is one thing, I have come to accept and appreciate greatly in my life. I am 22 years old and was born in Ghana, West Africa. To me, I see myself as an African woman. Reasoning being that both my parents are Africans but from different tribes. I was brought up through the general Ghanaian way, but having my parents from different ethnic groups taught me how to adapt to different cultures and I believe that was where my experience with diversity began. The African continent do have some similarities in the cultures, but being brought up with the Ghanaian culture and norms has really helped me and shaped me to be the respectful and humbled woman I am today. Being a Christian born into the Presbyterian denomination, I do my very best
The nursing shortage most likely does not mean a great deal to people until they are in the care of a nurse. The United States is in a severe nursing shortage with no relief in sight due to many factors compounding the problem and resulting in compromised patient care and nurse burnout. Nursing shortages have been experienced in the past by the United States and have been overcome with team effort. However, the current shortage is proving to be the most complex and great strides are being made to defeat the crisis before it becomes too difficult to change. Researchers anticipate that by 2010, the United States will need almost one million more registered nurses than will be available (Cherry & Jacob, 2005, p. 30).
Since the 1990’s, the interest in nursing and the profession as a whole has decreased dramatically and is still expected to do so over the next 10-15 years according to some researchers. With this nursing shortage, many factors are affected. Organizations have to face challenges of low staffing, higher costs for resources, recruiting and reserving of registered nurses, among liability issues as well. Some of the main issues arising from this nurse shortage are the impact of quality and continuity of care, organizational costs, the effect it has on nursing staff, and etc. However, this not only affects an organization and community, but affects the nurses the same. Nurses are becoming overwhelmed and are questioning the quality of care that each patient deserves. This shortage is not an issue that is to be taken lightly. The repercussions that are faced by both nurses and the organization are critical. Therefore, state funding should be implemented to private hospitals in order to resolve the shortage of nurses. State funds will therefore, relieve the overwhelming burdens on the staff, provide a safe and stress free environment for the patient, and allow appropriate funds needed to keep the facility and organization operational.
Living life as a transgendered person is not easy. There are very few times when someone comes out as transgender and their lives are still relatively easy to manage. There are a copious...
There are many issues that arise for transgender individuals, particularly those effecting one’s emotional and psychological state.
A job in health care requires nurses to have a broad knowledge base. Not only on health care in general, but diversity as well. We live in a world that is very diverse, where no two people are the same. As a nurse, it is important to understand what diversity, assumptions and ethnocentrism all mean. By having a good understanding of these three things, a nurse will be better able to provide culturally competent care to his or her patients, which is a huge part of nursing.
Nursing is a profession that I have always been fascinated with. Nursing is defined as "health promotion, health maintenance, health restoration and providing care to the sick and dying" (Kozier and Erb). There are five values essential to nursing, which include altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity and social justice (AACN). Nursing is a profession in which the nurse uses caring as a central concept. Some other characteristics of the nursing profession include art, science, advocacy, and offering holistic care. Nurses use critical thinking in order to problem solve because every patient is unique. The nursing process when assessing a patient includes, data collection, analysis, planning, implementing, and evaluation. Nurses need to be able to deal with change in stressful, fast paced, hectic environments. The treatments and technology is constantly changing therefore nurses need to be able to make quick and important decisions.
In an environment that deals with a vast amount of the diverse population, culture is very important. In fact, many healthcare organizations benefit immensely from the impact of culture in a diverse setting. One benefit of this setting is that culture provides guidelines for employees, patients, doctors, visitors, and others that utilize these facilities. Healthcare organizations set the foundation of their companies using cultural beliefs, values, and a code of conduct to create a diverse and accepting workplace.
As time passed following the shift in the workforce of nursing. Men, either working in nursing or thinking of pursuing a career in nursing, began to see the effects of gender stereotyping that was now firmly associated with it. During World War II the Army Nurse Corps banned male nurses from joining because they believed that males being nurses were less professional than if they had been regular physicians. There are also many beliefs that the male nurses are not able to be as compassionate, sensitive and caring as females that are in the same field (Goddard). Later in the 1970s, it was taught to high school students that females became nurses and males became physicians, it was also believed that females who crossed the line and became physicians were courageous and brave. On the opposing
Among twenty leading female-dominated professions, registered nurses (RN’s) are the second most occupation that employed women in 2006¬. Similar to many traditionally female professions, the percentage of male in nursing is small. In fact, male nurses only comprised eight percent of RN’s in 2008. Although much effort has been made to recruit more men into nursing, many contributing factors have driven them away from this profession. Those factors include poor nursing image, negative public perception, low economic status, and gender stereotypes. One of the most significant factors that deter men from entering the profession is stereotypes. Research shows that men might be more likely to encounter stereotypes than discrimination; however, gender discrimination throughout the society still exists, which may discourage them from entering the profession. Gender segregation has separated male nurses into the minority group that faces many obstacles within the profession, in which negative stereotypes are the primary obstacle for men who want to enter the nursing force.