Including sexuality in your nursing practice

One would think that today's exposure of the topic of sexuality in the electronic and print media would elevate the medical professional's comfort level with communication regarding sexuality issues. However, writers continue to comment on clinician discomfort or lack of discussion with their patients about sexual concerns and anxieties. Many patients want to learn about the implications of their treatment and medications on their sexuality. Nurses who care for chronically ill patients may help foster a more positive self-esteem for the patient, and may influence patient-partner attitudes about worthiness, self-concept, and body image, by providing opportunities to talk about feelings and fears about how treatment may affect their sexuality.