Scenario 023: A patient makes sexualizing comments about his nurse 

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Scenario:

The nurse is a woman named Jasmine. She is getting the new patient Andrew, a man, into a gown and on the monitor. The resident asks Andrew how he is feeling. He responds, “Much better now that I have this pretty lady with her hands on me!”

1) Impact: How might this interaction affect the individuals involved?  Who might it harm? Why? Why does this matter? 

  1. Andrew’s comment can create an uncomfortable dynamic for Jasmine, who may feel objectified, sexualized or disrespected in a professional setting. It might qualify as sexual harassment, but that is beyond our discussion.  It may undermine her role as a healthcare provider and shift the focus away from the patient’s medical needs to a more personal and inappropriate context. This can lead to feelings of frustration and diminish her confidence in the workplace. 
  2. For the resident, the patient’s remark may elicit a sense of discomfort as well, especially if he feels that it undermines the professionalism of the environment. He may worry about how to respond appropriately, feeling caught between maintaining rapport with the patient and supporting the staff. 
  3. The patient may not realize the implications of his comment, which can normalize a culture of casual sexism in healthcare settings. This matters because such remarks can contribute to a toxic environment that impacts the well-being and morale of healthcare staff, ultimately affecting patient care and the overall quality of the healthcare experience. 

2) Intervention: If you were to intervene to address the potential harm caused… 

  1. What might you do or say? 
    1. If you are the resident, you could respond directly to Andrew, saying, “That’s inappropriate and we do not tolerate that talk here” or “let’s keep our conversation professional”. You could follow that up by adding “It’s important that we focus on your care”. This can set clear boundaries while redirecting the conversation. 
    2. You could also say something brief in the moment, and then follow-up with a discussion with the patient later.  This may allow you to give feedback to the patient in a more effective way.   
    3. After the interaction, you might approach Jasmine and say, “I noticed that comment made by the patient. I just wanted to check in with you and see how you’re feeling about it.” This offers her support and validates her experience. 
  2. What obstacles might get in the way of you intervening? 
    1. You may worry that addressing the patient’s comment could lead to an uncomfortable confrontation or escalate the situation unnecessarily or damage rapport with the patient. 
    2. As a team member, you may question whether it is your place to correct the patient or intervene in Jasmine and Andrew’s interaction. 
    3. The resident’s position as a more senior member of the team can create a power imbalance, making it difficult for you to intervene without feeling subordinate or anxious about how your correction might be perceived. 
    4. You may be concerned about creating an awkward atmosphere for Jasmine, the patient, or anyone else present. You may also worry that your intervention could be perceived as culturally insensitive, depending on Jasmine and Andrew’s background or expectations. 

3) Repair: If you are the “offender”, how can you apologize or accept feedback? 

  1. You might acknowledge the discomfort your comment caused and say something like “I’m sorry. What I said was inappropriate. I was trying to be funny but ended up making you uncomfortable and I apologize”. This shows awareness of the impact of your words and a willingness to take responsibility. 
  2. You could also say something like “I realize now that my joke wasn’t appropriate. I didn’t mean to objectify anyone, and I apologize for that.” 

4) More Information: Additional comments and background information about this scenario: 

  1. This scenario highlights the importance of professionalism in patient interactions and the need to create a respectful environment for both staff and patients. It underscores the necessity for training on appropriate communication and boundaries in healthcare settings. 
  2. It is crucial to prioritize Jasmine’s sense of safety and well-being in this context. Objectifying comments can contribute to a toxic work environment, making staff feel uncomfortable or devalued. Ensuring that all team members feel respected and supported is essential for their mental health and job satisfaction. Prioritizing Jasmine should be the most important concern. 
  3. Addressing comments that objectify or undermine healthcare professionals is vital for fostering a culture of respect and ensuring that all staff feel valued and safe in their roles. Open discussions about boundaries and professional conduct can enhance the overall quality of patient care and team dynamics.