Supporting gender-diverse young people: the role of the nurse

Nurs Stand. 2023 Oct 4;38(10):61-65. doi: 10.7748/ns.2023.e12070. Epub 2023 Aug 31.

Abstract

Gender-diverse individuals will need to access healthcare services for various reasons, with most of this care provided outside of specialist gender services. Nurses have an important role in advocating for the specific needs of gender-diverse individuals and providing person-centred care. Therefore, they have a responsibility to ensure their knowledge of appropriate terminology and gender-affirming interventions is up to date. This article provides information about gender diversity to enhance nurses' understanding of this area to enable them to care for gender-diverse people effectively and sensitively. While the focus of this article is on gender-diverse young people, the same principles can be applied across all age groups.

Keywords: diversity; equality; gender issues; inclusion; lesbian gay bisexual trans; patient experience; patients; person-centred care; professional; stigma.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Humans
  • Nurse's Role*
  • Palliative Care
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities*