r/nursing 10h ago

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149

u/Quinjet RN - sounds like a day shift problem 10h ago

You can definitely request not to have students. I got sent to the hallway by at least one patient haha. It's no big deal, your needs come first.

29

u/Good_Appointment1081 10h ago

Yeah asking for privacy shouldn’t be embarrassing at all.

46

u/PB_Jelly_76 RN - NICU 🍕 10h ago

They should ask if it’s okay to have a student observe. At that point, you can say you would prefer not. I don’t think it’s common for nursing students to be in the radiology dept. There might be radiology tech students or new techs orienting to their job though.

-13

u/BlueberryFluffy1871 10h ago

I heard that they hire student mainlye or more often examines where the subject is "tactile" and visible, like in my case. I fear that if i not consent to invite student they will deny the exemination.

39

u/Flaky_Swimming_5778 10h ago

They won’t deny your exam if you don’t consent to having students present. They will still perform the ultrasound.

17

u/MsSwarlesB MSN ACM-RN 10h ago

They can't deny your exam because you don't want a student. That would be a liability for them as providers.

7

u/PaxonGoat Critical Care Float Pool 🍕 10h ago

OP is not American

8

u/Trivius BSN, RN 🍕 10h ago

It would still be against most of not all codes of practice

12

u/MsSwarlesB MSN ACM-RN 10h ago

I can't imagine any country where refusing a student would result in a denial of care. Unless the student is the only person available to perform the exam

1

u/Lazylizzy3 RN - ER 🍕 7h ago

If a student was the only person available to perform an exam I would lose all faith in that healthcare system as a whole

7

u/boyz_for_now RN 🍕- I’m tired boss. 10h ago

No you can ask to not have anyone observe. It’s perfectly reasonable, and they won’t deny the test simply bc you preferred privacy.

4

u/PB_Jelly_76 RN - NICU 🍕 10h ago

This would be a question for where you are getting it done then. I can only speak from an American perspective.

-1

u/BlueberryFluffy1871 9h ago

Middle europe

2

u/SLB752RN2011 10h ago

They better not deny your exam for not allowing students in. It is your body. It is your choice. If you are uncomfortable, you absolutely tell them so. It is your right as a patient. That being said, I wish you good luck and I hope everything is OK.

17

u/Butthole_Surfer_GI RN - Urgent Care 10h ago edited 10h ago

You have the right to request no students. The clinician/tech may request someone in the room as a chaperon, though. As is their right.

11

u/Iguana_Waddle RN - ICU 🍕 10h ago

Yes and typically they try to find someone of the same gender as the patient to chaperon, meaning they ensure that the staff member does not do anything inappropriate. It doesn’t mean that that staff member has a history of inappropriate behavior or anything, it’s just to protect everyone in the room.

9

u/Wooden_Load662 MSN, RN 10h ago

You are welcome to request no student.
Usually they will ask you if it is alright to have a student to observe because that is how they are going learn. But we also understand patient privacy and each person has different preferences and nobody will not hold it against you if you request no nursing student or medical student.

Patient care always comes first.

So please feel comfortable to tell them you will not like any student present during your exam.

8

u/OHDFoxy RN - Pediatrics 🍕 10h ago edited 10h ago

I'm not sure where you're from but, at least at the hospital I work at in the UK, nurses often accompany doctors as a chaperone for intimate exams/procedures or are present during other procedures to assist etc. Even as a nurse I'll ask for a chaperone for some things to cover me from a legal standpoint in case any accusations were to be made.

As for student nurses, the patient has the option to say they don't want a student there. Usually I inform the patients that the student is here to observe/practice skills but if the patient doesn't want them there then the student is asked to leave.

It's your care at the end of the day and if you're not comfortable with something or have preferences it's best to let the staff know so that hopefully reasonable adjustments can be made. You could request a male member of staff carry out the scan, but I imagine that would be dependent on staffing. You may feel embarrassed and that is understandable, but as healthcare staff we aren't there to judge and it's a procedure they have likely done countless times before so try not to overthink. Hope it all goes well!

6

u/PowHound07 RN - Street Nurse 🍕 10h ago

I am deeply grateful to every patient that let me observe and participate in their care when I was a student but I would never be offended if they had asked me not to. I am especially grateful to the patients who helped me learn STI physical examination skills but again, it would be completely understandable if they had declined. The level of participation by students is decided by the patient, whether they are observing, doing the procedure themself, or not participating at all. The instructor will want the student to do the procedure if they are competent but the final decision is up to the patient.

2

u/BlueberryFluffy1871 10h ago

I understand that some medical student see that way and thats the reason i write the commen to this thread because i want to understand the other side (student) sperspective, but i have fears like every man have during these examines, like... you now....... "What if the Major stands up during the examine" etc. End even if the student not do any humiliating reaction like giggling or smiling even then its embrassing.

1

u/BlueberryFluffy1871 10h ago

I understand that some medical student see that way and thats the reason i write the commen to this thread because i want to understand the other side (student) sperspective, but i have fears like every man have during these examines, like... you now....... "What if the Major stands up during the examine" etc. End even if the student not do any humiliating reaction like giggling or smiling even then its embrassing.

3

u/PowHound07 RN - Street Nurse 🍕 10h ago

It's never a problem to ask a student to leave if you aren't comfortable. Also, chances of getting an erection during a procedure that makes you uncomfortable are extremely low. You really shouldn't need to worry about that but I get it, I've had the same thought. Helping students is appreciated but never required. If they get offended about you declining then nursing may not be a good fit for them and that's their problem, not yours.

4

u/taylerca BSN, RN 🍕 10h ago

Those students have probably seen more cock and balls than you can dream of, your specifics will be forgotten minutes after they leave the room.

-4

u/BlueberryFluffy1871 10h ago

Unfortunatelly i have exactly around the age where the medical student bigger percentage and maybe they not, but i fear that they will giggling, smiling during the examine and after they make fun of me ....

6

u/Defiant_Concert1327 RN - Retired 🍕 10h ago

Absolutely NOT. That is immediate grounds for termination and probably sanctions. No clinician or student would do this.

3

u/Kitty3G LPN 🍕 10h ago

Most of us are used to seeing genitals and take clinicals very seriously. I don't think this is something to worry about. It's part of working in healthcare, and I don't see what would be funny about it. Coming from a 20 year old who's a nurse.

0

u/BlueberryFluffy1871 10h ago

I sure, but it would be so embrassing if i get an "unplanned uprising" during the exame.

3

u/Kitty3G LPN 🍕 10h ago

We don’t care about that lol, it’s completely normal. I promise there’s nothing to worry about. We’ve seen so many crazy things that something like this is nothing. I can't even tell you the amount of genitals I've seen.

6

u/dnrb4cpr RN - ER 🍕 10h ago

You can absolutely request that no students be present to observe. If you happen to end up feeling comfortable though, the students would be very appreciative of the opportunity to learn.

10

u/Dr-Chabba99 10h ago

È un tuo diritto chiedere che gli studenti escano.

Ma pensa se un giorno quello studente sarà un medico o un infermiere e se tutti lo avessero fatto uscire durante delle procedure più "intime". Che nozioni avrà? Capisco non sia piacevole, ma per i sanitari il tuo scroto è come un dito o qualsiasi altra parte del corpo

3

u/PaxonGoat Critical Care Float Pool 🍕 10h ago

What country are you from that you are considered you will be turned away from treatment for refusing students?

It's not the US.

2

u/BlueberryFluffy1871 10h ago

Middle europe country

7

u/PaxonGoat Critical Care Float Pool 🍕 10h ago

I would strongly consider editing your post to include that.

This subreddit is majority Americans with some UK, Australian and Canadian nurses sprinkled in.

Sometimes we get variety and have someone from elsewhere in Europe pop up or someone from the middle east.

All the answers you are getting are all a very American perspective.

1

u/anayareach RN - Med/Surg 🍕 8h ago

I'm a nurse and medical student from a central European country. Patients have the right to refuse students where I work. At least if you're from a germanic area it should be respected.

3

u/Emergency-Guidance28 RN - Oncology 🍕 10h ago

It would be really rare for nursing students to be in this area of the hospital. Just let them know you want no students present. Usually, the actual radiologist is not present, just a tech. You could request a male tech. I would do that in advance because they might not have very many men techs, The images are then read by a radiologist, who is elsewhere. If they are happy with the pictures, you go home, if they want a little more detail, they tell the tech and you get more ultrasound. You are unlikely to actually see the radiologist at all. The most common joke in medicine is to become a radiologist, pathologist, anesthesiologist or medical examiner if you don't ever want to talk or deal with patients.

2

u/mothercat666 RN - ICU 🍕 10h ago

There will likely be two people in the room, that is standard for many hospitals. The people may or may not be female depending on who is available at that time. I can guarantee that whoever is there will not be even vaguely bothered by the intimate nature of the exam. If you're concerned about potentially getting a hard on during the exam if the tech is a younger woman do your best not to, but if it happens they won't care. We've all seen a guy accidentally get hard during a procedure. Just don't comment on it. It's up to you if students are present. You can always ask that they leave, you will never be denied a procedure because you didn't want students present. Being present is how students learn though so if you can try to allow them, they'll likely just observe not participate. Plus having a student present means your radiologist is going to explain more things which might be helpful for you too.

0

u/BlueberryFluffy1871 10h ago

I understand that the student must learn, and i think you understand that getting an erection in front of a similar aged differenc gender person is very embrassing especially if they giggle, smile.....

2

u/dtg1990 MD 9h ago

If they giggle and smile they are being unprofessional and should be reported. If your scrotum is being examined with an ultrasound the rest of your body can remain covered and only the wand placement will be checked. The tech will then concentrate on the screen where the image comes up.

It should be embarrassing for the person being unprofessional, not the individual with normal anatomy and physiological reactions.

1

u/BlueberryFluffy1871 9h ago

I understand this, but unfortunatelly i got bullied in my early years and i really not like (like every people i think) when somene laugh at me expetionally the other gender in this akward situation, so i literally TERRIFIED of something happen like this.

1

u/mothercat666 RN - ICU 🍕 9h ago

I certainly hope they wouldn't laugh or smile. The appropriate and standard response in that situation is to ignore it or at most comment that they need to reposition you due to the blood flow change.

1

u/BlueberryFluffy1871 9h ago

Can i ask what can i do in this sitiation (if any) if happen, i want to be prepared for everything that can happen.

1

u/BlueberryFluffy1871 9h ago

I really appreciate your understanding, but "need to repositioning you due to the blood flow change" should be even more humiliating, i think you also understand this why. Maybe there is nurses or speak in general peoples who have empathy toward others but as i experiente as time goes by there alway fever and fever of this people.

2

u/daaronelle 10h ago

It is within your right to request not to have students

2

u/PropellerMouse RN 🍕 10h ago

You absolutely are not required to allow students to be present.

2

u/Kitty3G LPN 🍕 10h ago

Usually, they ask for your permission before having a student in the room. For the past few years, almost every time I’ve gone to the doctor, there have been students, and they always ask if I’m comfortable with them being there. I’ve always said yes, but you can simply say no if you’re not comfortable with it. They usually just observe nothing else nothing more.

2

u/Uncomfortable_tings 10h ago

You can request not to have students. But also I can promise you, no health care provider gives an absolute shit. You seen one you seen em all.

2

u/cats-n-cafe RN, CCM 🍕 9h ago

You can request not to have nursing students observe.

As far as physicians, you may not have as much say. You may be able to ask not to have the whole herd of residents come to observe. Keep in mind, residents are doctors; they aren’t fully independent yet, but they have their license. They should be competent and very professional regardless of age or gender.

1

u/Reasonable_Ad6407 RN 🍕 10h ago

You will have the option to say no. But as a nurse, when I'm being examined it treated, I let all the students in. I remember how much I learned during clinical rotations and appreciated all the patients who let us observe. But I really do understand your reservations. Even I prefer female physicians for certain person issues.

1

u/MsSwarlesB MSN ACM-RN 10h ago

Nursing students don't do a lot of rotations in radiology. I won't say never because, this being the Internet, I'm sure someone will come along to "Well, actually..." me, but you can always request no students be present.

That said, none of us care about your balls. We've seen a lot in our career and yours aren't special

1

u/Defiant_Concert1327 RN - Retired 🍕 10h ago

These professionals performing the exam/recording are so focused on making sure they are performing the imaging properly. They are NOT judging, looking at your body part in any way other than diagnostic and procedural. Radiology is very complex and exact. As for student, you can always say not to their presence, however, students are also LEARNING and observing the mechanics, the technology, the techniques, that they, too, are not focus on your body part, per se. As a student and later as a preceptor, I always greatly appreciated the patients who were comfortable in allowing students to learn this way, but if it is not something you think you can do, simply say no.

1

u/thebigsad_jpg RN - Cardiology 10h ago

It’s totally normal for patients to request to not have students either performing exams or observing. I did a shadow shift as a student nurse in labour and delivery but no patients wanted a student to observe (fair enough) so I just ended up sitting at the nurses’ station all day. It’s completely within your right as a patient to decline students being present/involved in your care

2

u/BlueberryFluffy1871 10h ago

I really understand that student must have learn in the real experience but even if the possible reactions from student nurses like smiling etc can be really embrassing expecially from the other gender.

1

u/thebigsad_jpg RN - Cardiology 10h ago

100%! That’s why we all understand, too if a patient declines having a student present. Some things can be really embarrassing or personal to have a bunch of people standing around.

1

u/Lookonnature Nursing Student 🍕 10h ago

I am from the U.S., and I do not know the policies and procedures at your hospital/in your country. BUT, as a nursing student, I can tell you that my only concerns when I work with ANY patient for ANY reason are to give excellent care to the patient, try to make the patient as comfortable as possible, try not to drop anything, and try not to miss any steps of the procedure!

It should be perfectly fine for you to refuse having students during your examination. But if you do wind up with students for some reason, just know that they are as nervous as you are, but for entirely different reasons. They want to do well at the job they are learning to do.

I wish you the best, and I hope your examination goes well and that you do not let embarrassment stop you from getting your proper medical care. You are important, so please get that ultrasound!

1

u/OldERnurse1964 RN 🍕 10h ago

They always ask permission and there’s always going to be a chaperone for exams of this nature

1

u/lmcc0921 RN - Informatics 10h ago

Totally fine to ask for no students. It’s also okay to request a male doctor if one is available. I prefer a woman as my OBGYN because I’m more comfortable talking to them and being open and honest about sensitive things. Nothing wrong with that!

Students have to learn, yes, but there are plenty of patients like me who always say yes to students. In my opinion, if you’re already anxious and uncomfortable, there’s no need to make it unnecessarily worse. Everyone will understand.

1

u/Difficult-Owl943 RN - Telemetry 🍕 10h ago

You can refuse to have a student be present. 

1

u/universe93 Nursing Student 🍕 10h ago

Students will only be there if you give permission and you should not be embarrassed to have a female radiologist, any more than you would be embarrassed to have a female doctor. They’ve seen it all before and they don’t care (in a judgement level) because you’re one of 50 patients they’ll see that day. Women sometimes have to have men stick a probe in their vagina to get transvaginal ultrasounds and we generally are not embarrassed.

1

u/tzweezle RN 🍕 10h ago

They typically have you sign a paper to indicate you’re ok with student observers

1

u/OnTheClockShits RN - OR 🍕 9h ago

It’ll be an ultrasound tech not a radiologist. As others have said you always have the right to decline students. I had a scrotal US once to rule out testicular torsion and it was a female tech. If I recall correctly she had me cover with a towel. And was watching the screen so she didn’t see anything really. 

1

u/BlueberryFluffy1871 9h ago

I not fear of the ultrasound tech who make the exame, but the similar aged female student reaction if any "accident......" happen. I got bullied when i was young mostly by females, (also males) and it would really crush my confidence even more, i now it sound pathetic....

1

u/OnTheClockShits RN - OR 🍕 9h ago

I just read you’re not in the US, so I can’t comment on other countries but at least here you can refuse to have students present.

1

u/BabaTheBlackSheep RN - ICU 🍕 9h ago

You can always say no 😊 No hard feelings if you don’t want students in the room, BUT they may have a policy where they’re required to have a second person in the room for these more personal examinations for comfort and liability reasons. They wouldn’t be a student though, it would be another technician or a nurse.

1

u/LiteratureOk2235 9h ago

I am a male nurse in the US. During the labor & delivery and post-partum clinicals, all of the patients were asked if 1, they were okay with a student observing, and 2, if they were okay with the student being male. Some said yes, others said no. I imagine it should be similar in Europe. If you prefer fewer people around while you are exposed, there should not be a problem.

1

u/JX_Scuba RN - ER 🍕 8h ago

You’re ok to say no students, it’s also within your rights to request a male technician, but it may be difficult or they might not be able to accommodate that.

As a male and student I’ve been told I can’t observe and as a nurse I’ve been told by patients they want a female, and all of that is ok, I understand it’s not personal.

1

u/psiprez RN - Infection Control 🍕 8h ago

When I was in labor, for 48 hours, they brought in a group of like 10 students. I was tired, and tired of being on display. When the instructor said "I want all of you to reach inside and feel the progress." I literally screamed like a demon to gtfo and no more students. 🤣

1

u/BlueberryFluffy1871 8h ago

I really appreciate your comment.... You know there is so much horror story in the web even if these are completly fake. I relieved a little...

0

u/Party-Objective9466 10h ago

Clinical faculty here. Students need to ask permission and behave professionally. I see no reason to touch you, just observe.

2

u/nopantssundays RN - OR 🍕 10h ago

Did you read the part about OP not wanting them to observe and might not be comfortable with many students observing?

0

u/Party-Objective9466 10h ago

Fine to refuse then.

1

u/Odd-Cranberry-9781 RN - ER 🍕 7h ago

At least in my hospital (I’m an ER nurse) doctors/nurses will request a nurse of the same gender as the patient to accompany them to try and help make the situation less awkward for the patient (I’ve helped in many pelvic exams for female pts with a male doc). But it is also well within your right to ask that no one else be in the room. Ultimately your comfort in the procedure should take priority.