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Sexual Harrassment in Nursing

Yep, it happens. Don't listen to anyone who would tell you otherwise or say "Oh, well sometimes patients joke," because it absolutely happens.

Because nursing is a traditionally female-occupied profession (not to say it is anymore!), sexual harassment of nurses has a long and dirty history that roots all the way back to medieval battlefields where healers with herbal concoctions pressed onto wounds were being told "You have beautiful eyes. Would you like to have your evening meal with me?"

Then there are all of the incredibly unhelpful media images as nurses as something sexy (insert Halloween costume here) or that all nurses want to marry doctors or at least do them in on-call sleeping areas.

Damn you, Grey's Anatomy!


The only positive thing is that we now generally wear scrubs instead of the cute little dress, hat, and stockings ensemble. But even for those that still do, fear of sexual harassment should not be stopping them from wearing what they like!

So what do I do if a patient is sexually harassing me?

 Shut. It. Down. The simplest, automatic and most natural reaction is to laugh it off. Don't give into that urge! One of the best ways to stop this sort of behavior without letting it progress is to show some polite disdain. You curl your upper lip a little, give the patient a pitying look, and say one of the following:

  • "Please keep our relationship professional."
  • "I don't appreciate comments like that."
  • "Don't say things like that. It's unacceptable."
  • "If you're trying to be funny, I don't think I'm getting it."
  • "I'm afraid I'm only interested in what medications I have to give you, and that's it."
All of the above are tailored for varying levels of comfort. Not everybody is comfortable with saying no to things. (They should be! Practicing how to say no is an important life skill! More on that another day.)

The important thing is the way you say it. The proper amount of icy and scathing pity is a huge turn-off for most people and will stop any overtly flirting men or women in their tracks. There's just nothing more repulsive than someone who thinks you're pathetic. It can douse most any passionate flame just as efficiently as a bucket of water could.

If the comments still continue, take further action. Tell a superior. Get switched from that patient assignment and, if pressed, tell the patient it's because "you make me uncomfortable and I don't enjoy working with you."

As always, take all advice with a grain of salt. Individual situations and your mileage may vary. Whatever you do, don't let it continue against your will. You are part of a proud profession and you need to stand up for it, if not for your sake, then for your coworkers'.

We are a family of healthcare professionals and it's our duty to take care of each other. <3
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