Nurses Supporting Women and Transfeminine Clients Navigating Non-inclusive Standing Orders

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Healthcare Policy
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Healthcare institutions often have standing orders based on outdated gender norms.
• Policies reinforcing a gender binary can conflict with patient autonomy and inclusivity.
• Transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive individuals face unique challenges in healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate the nurse's role in applying clinical judgment to standing orders.
• To explore how nurses can navigate institutional policies that are not gender-inclusive.
• To highlight challenges faced by gender-diverse clients within healthcare systems.

Main Methods:

• A case study approach was used.
• Analysis of institutional policies and their impact on patient care.
• Examination of clinical judgment in nursing practice.

Main Results:

• Nurses must critically evaluate standing orders for appropriateness and inclusivity.
• Institutional policies can inadvertently disempower clients and limit autonomy.
• Lack of inclusive standing orders creates barriers for transgender and gender expansive individuals.

Conclusions:

• Nurses play a crucial role in advocating for inclusive healthcare practices.
• Clinical judgment is essential for navigating complex ethical and policy challenges.
• Healthcare institutions must revise policies to ensure equitable and autonomous care for all gender identities.