An overview of the nurse's role in dealing with sexuality

Abstract

Many diseases, accidents, illnesses, and their treatments create sexual dysfunctions and role changes. Rehabilitation nurses are in an excellent position to address these issues with their clients. To accomplish this, nurses need to overcome barriers such as cultural and professional stereotyping, and lack of education. Areas of expertise that the nurses need to develop which promote and maintain patient sexual health are knowledge of the subject matter, skill in assessing and interviewing. Nurses must also develop an awareness of beliefs, attitides and values related to sexuality, and awareness of how these beliefs, attitudes, and values affect their practice. The nursing profession's focus is on wellness and holistic care. Rehabilitation nurses have an important role in assuring that experiencing a disability, having a chronic illness, or aging does not need to translate into permanent sexual loss or eliminate the ability to give and receive affection.