Improving Perioperative Nursing Care for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Patients

Ignorance, stigma, and discrimination have contributed to persistent and well-documented disparities and inequities in the United States health care system with regards to meeting the needs of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people. Only recently has the collective understanding of this marginalized community increased, along with actions to address its health concerns. Nurses want to provide high-quality care for all patients. However, many nurses may feel anxious or uncertain about interacting with TGD people because of a lack of education and training. Perioperative nurses may encounter TGD patients and family members in their clinical settings for many reasons and should know how to provide appropriate care, including gender-affirming care. This article presents foundational cultural competency information about TGD people and the health concerns they face. Additionally, it provides actionable communication approaches that perioperative nurses can employ, as well as organization-level strategies that can be implemented to provide a welcoming, supportive, and affirming environment.