ANSWER
Answer: In my capacity as a nurse at a school-based health center, I support adolescents who report difficulties with LGBTQIA+ problems by offering them emotional support and a safe environment. I would start my response to the student by thanking them for having the confidence to share such a private subject. To make the learner feel heard and appreciated, active listening, confidentiality, and affirming language are crucial. I would reassure them that there is support available and that their identity is legitimate.
According to research, LGBTQIA+ teens who don’t receive emotional support at this crucial time are more likely to have mental health issues like anxiety, despair, and suicide thoughts (Russell & Fish, 2016). They are also more prone to experience discrimination, social rejection, and bullying, which can result in social isolation. On the other hand, self-esteem, resilience, and general well-being are greatly enhanced in supportive settings, such as affirming family and school systems (Johns et al., 2019).
I would make sure the pupil knows they are not alone in order to provide empathy and support. I would work with them to develop a customized strategy that would address their issues and include recommendations for reputable school counselors or mental health specialists. Self-acceptance and a sense of belonging can be promoted by offering resources and promoting the formation of a support system.
I would suggest the following two resources:
For LGBTQIA+ kids, The Trevor Project is a premier nationwide organization that offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention services around-the-clock. They provide chat and text services at www.thetrevorproject.org, in addition to a private hotline at 1-866-488-7386.
Through local chapters, online support groups, and instructional materials, PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) provides assistance to LGBTQIA+ people and their families. Information about local chapters can be found at www.pflag.org.
As nurses, we uphold the dignity and worth of every patient by providing compassionate care that is consistent with Provision 1 of the ANA Code of Ethics. In addition to being morally right, helping teenagers through this critical time displays the Christian values of unwavering compassion and caring.
Citations: Rasberry, C. N., Haderxhanaj, L., Lowry, R., & Johns, M. M. (2019). Trends in high school students’ risk of suicide and violence victimization by sexual orientation—Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2015–2019. Weekly Report Supplements on Morbidity and Mortality, 68(3), 43–49. mmwr.su6803a6 https://doi.org/10.15585
Fish, J. N., and Russell, S. T. (2016). LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) youth mental health. Clinical Psychology Annual Review, 12, 465–487. [10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-021815-093153]
QUESTION
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.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education
This assignment aligns to AACN Core Competencies 2.1, 2.2, 9.1, 3.1.
GO TO DISCUSSION