Role Preparation for Nurses in Human Sexual Functioning

Abstract

Some important conclusions can be drawn from the literature regarding the role preparation of nurses in relation to human sexual functioning. First, human sexuality is a relatively new area of study in the health professions. Although the subject of human sexuality has been incorporated into the curricula of some schools of nursing, many schools have minimal or no coverage. This fact can probably be attributed to the lack of preparation of many faculty members in the field. Therefore, a concerted effort to provide continuing education for nursing faculty members would be the first step in legitimizing human sexuality as a necessary component of comprehensive nursing care. Second, sex knowledge, positive sex attitudes, and transmittal skills have been described as necessary components of sex counseling. The nurse's background in the physical, social, and behavioral sciences as well as education in counseling techniques make the nurse an ideal member of the health team to council patients in an area as sensitive and highly charged as human sexuality. Therefore, the second step in legitimizing human sexuality as a component of comprehensive patient care is the development and implementation of inservice education for practicing nurses in the community and in acute care hospitals. As human beings we are sexual from birth to death. Although acute, chronic, or disabling conditions and aging may necessitate certain adaptations in the way we express our sexuality, we do not cease to be sexual beings. A knowledgeable, nonjudgmental nurse with good communicative skills can play an important role in enhancing a patient's quality of life through effective sex counseling.