Transgender teens are one of the most vulnerable groups of people due to the enormous amount of discrimination and everyday challenges they face. The main policy issues for transgender kids are allowing them to participate in activities and use the bathroom and locker rooms that match their gender identity, not their birth gender (Nickitas et al., 2018). In addition, these people face such problems as lack of legal protection, they can be discriminated against or humiliated, and not receive any help. Transgender people, in general, live in poverty, especially colored ones. They have a lack of healthcare and problems with identity documents (Understanding the transgender community, 2021). Besides having problems with legal protection, these teenagers also have problems with peers, who may see them as black sheep, making the situation worse. Thus, there are many obstacles in their lives on different levels.
One of the nurses’ responsibilities is to provide the other person with safety. These people face too much discrimination and humiliation every day; they do need someone to lean on. Firstly, it is crucial for nurses to understand and respect a patient’s body privacy and personal boundaries; if needed, ask questions to make sure a nurse does not cross the line. Secondly, to communicate in a polite way, shoe understanding, make note of the patient’s pronouns, and be mindful of that. Finally, in extra cases, advocate on behalf of the patient when someone translates transphobia, provide them with protection (Geehan, 2021). But the nurse has to remember that due to tough life and obstacles, these people can be easily upset or insulted; they may have problems with controlling anger or some mental health problems.
References
Geehan, A. (2021). Nursing Care for transgender patients: tips and resources. Nurse Journal Staff. Web.
Nickitas, D. M., Middaugh, D. J., & Feeg, V. (2018). Policy and politics for nurses and other health professionals (3rd ed.). Jones and Bartlett.
Understanding the transgender community. (2021) Human Rights Campain. Web.