Does anyone have a suggestion for doing pelvic, rape kits, caths. on females
when the entire staff (4) are males. We are trying to come up with a
protocol for our ER. We see about 50-75 pt. day. And 3 times a week we
only have males working. We thought about having someone come down (female)
from the floors – BUT they are protesting.

House about the Nursing Supervisor. If the House Mom really is a Mom and
not just another Dad, this would seem to be the best bet.

BUT they should be reminded of their contracts, which no doubt state
they are employed “anywhere in the hospital, and can be asked to work
elsewhere according to need”, or something along those lines, as ours
do. Bet they wouldn’t refuse to go out to an arrest call, if asked.

As a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, it has been my experience that a female
survivor does not want a male nurse to do the rape exam. Some studies also
show that male survivors prefer a female nurse.

As far as the caths and the pelvics, it has been my understanding that the
reason for a female is to insure that the patient can’t say that they were
violated in some fashion. Do you have a female secretary who can chaperone in
these circumstances??

I agree with the suggestion that your staffing pattern be adjusted so that a
female is on each shift.