topic: One of the primary roles of a nurse is the role of advocate. Teenagers’ needs are best met through emotional support and advocacy. The Christian worldview supports compassionate care as does the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics located in the topic Resources. Provision 1 states that “the nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth and unique attributes of every person.” As nurses, our calling is to support the needs and vulnerabilities of our patients, regardless of our own personal beliefs. Teenagers today who may be questioning their sexuality and gender identity are entitled to and deserving of our support.
You are a nurse at a School-Based Health Center where a teenager disclosed that they are struggling with an LGBTQIA+ issue. Discuss how you would respond to this student. Explain what research has shown about the potential outcomes for teenagers who are not supported when in this difficult questioning period of “who they are.” Explain how you, as a nurse can demonstrate compassion and support of this student. Provide two resources that you could you offer this student, either locally or online. Be specific with the contact information for your resources.
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN DQ Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
Example 1 (Anitha )
When working with a student in a school-based health center and addressing a teenager’s LGBTQIA+ issue, one must exercise caution. According to the ANA Code of Ethics, nurses should integrate and maintain competence, protect integrity, and show their worth by respecting the inherent worth of every individual (American Nurses Association, 2020). This concurs with Christianity, which advocates compassion as the central theme in caregiving and the prescription of teenagers’ emotional requirements.
According to Fenaughty et al. (2022), a study has shown that youths who do not receive care during this vulnerable stage, the transition from childhood to adulthood, due to questions about their sexual orientation and gender identity, are susceptible to mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Unaccepted and rejected, these individuals face issues of loneliness, despair, and inferiority, which exacerbate these aspects (Fenaughty et al., 2022). Therefore, nurses must ensure safety when explaining sexual activity to teens and providing counseling, ensuring that teens feel welcomed and accepted.
As a nurse, I must address the student’s anxiety and psychological needs by listening to his concerns and providing support or reassurance. Another essential element while working with such a student is to find ways to help them be as open and frank as possible and be ready to share their opinions or feelings (American Nurses Association, 2020). It is also beneficial to be aware of the aspects derived from the acronym LGBTQIA+ and integrate their experiences into the regular curriculum.
Two resources that one can recommend to the student are The Trevor Project, an organization that focuses on offering crisis intervention and suicide prevention to youths of the LGBTQIA+ community (their website link: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/). Another one is the PFLAG organization, which offers a set of general information, support, and services for persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, and their families (their website link: .
Refefence:
American Nurses Association. (2020). Ethics and Human Rights. ANA.
Fenaughty, J., Tan, K., Ker, A., Veale, J., Saxton, P., & Alansari, M. (2022). Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Change Efforts for Young People in New Zealand: Demographics, Types of Suggesters, and Associations with Mental Health. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 52(1).
Example 2 (Sara)
As a nurse who is taking care of teenagers, it is important to respond with care, compassion, and ensure they feel emotionally supported. Making sure the environment in which you care for the patient is calming, soothing, quiet, and safe are all important factors that can ensure the patient feels heard and that they matter.
The goal is to make the environment in which you care for the patient a judgment free environment. It is important that as the nurse you advocate for what is in the patient’s best interest without using any discrimination towards them. Make sure the patient understands that everything discussed is confidential, allow for trust and relationships to be formed so that the patient feels comfortable in the future to come and express any concerns or emotions.
Research has shown that teenagers who are struggling with their identity and their purpose in this world are more likely to experiment with drugs or alcohol, have increased risk of mental health issues, and are more likely to commit acts of self-harm or suicide. The Trevor Project and GLAAD offer many resources in supporting ones mental health. Both are online websites that provide resources, articles, and information on LGBTQ. The Trevor Project also offers suicide crisis intervention and prevention services.
References
American Nurses Association. (2020). Ethics and Human Rights. ANA.
Glaad. (2023, January 27). LGBTQ Resource List – GLAAD. Glaad.org.
The Trevor Project. (2020). Saving young LGBTQ lives. The Trevor Project.
Example 3 (charmine)
A teenager discloses that they are struggling with LGBTQIA+ issues, it is crucial to respond with empathy and respect. According to Provision 1 of the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics, ” Nurse practice with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth and unique attributes of every person” (American Nurses Association, 2015). This principle underscores the importance of supporting adolescents through their self-discovery process, regardless of our personal beliefs.
In responding to a student who is questioning their sexuality or gender identity, my approach would involve creating a safe and non-judgmental space for them to express their feelings. I would listen and validate their experiences, ensuring they feel heard and respected. It is essential to provide emotional support and to affirm their identity, which can be crucial during this challenging period. By showing empathy and understanding, I can help the student feel valued and less isolated.
Research indicates that adolescents who do not receive support during their questioning period my face significant negative outcomes. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2021) LGBTQIA+ youth who experience rejection form their families or communities are at high risk for mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal idealization. Lack of support can lead to low self esteem and academic difficulties.
A-s a nurse i would demonstrate compassion by providing continuous emotional support and connecting the student with appropriate networks. Its important to encourage them to seek supportive networks.
Support Resources:
- The Trevor Project: Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQA+ youth. Phone: 1-866-488-7386P
- PFLAG: Offers support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families. Phone: 1-202-467-818
References:
American Academy of Pediatrics (2021) Supporting care for LGBTQIA youth. Patient Care.
American Nurses Association. (2015) Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements,
