Inappropriate Patient Sexual Behavior in Nursing Education
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Amber Vermeesch, Associate Professor of Nursing (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Abstract: Nurses and other health care workers are often exposed to inappropriate patient sexual behavior (IPSB). Johnson and colleagues define IPSB as any “verbal or physical act of an explicit, or perceived sexual nature which is unacceptable within the social context in which it is carried out.” [1] IPSB encompasses a spectrum of behaviors including: gesturing, giving romantic gifts, making suggestive remarks, propositioning, exposing genitalia, unnecessary touching, with some of the more extreme cases resulting in sexual assault and rape. [2]. It is imperative to note that when a patient’s behavior creates a hostile or intimidating work environment for any health care worker, as in its extreme manifestations, IPSB falls under the legal classification of sexual harassment, a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 [3]. The definition of IPSB and how it relates to sexual harassment is not clear in existing literature. Not only are these terms unclear in and of themselves, but they are frequently used interchangeably. When IPSB is recognized as sexual harassment, it can imply patients as adversaries creating a difficult care environment. Sexual harassment by patients is a significant problem for general healthcare professionals; however, nurses consistently report sexual harassment by their patients more than any other healthcare sector [2]. This is particularly poignant given that nursing is predominantly female and that we are in the midst of several international campaigns increasing the awareness of sexual assault and harassment. Additionally, the Joint Commission has issued a Sentinel Event Alert on physical and verbal violence against healthcare workers, including sexual harassment, which calls to enforce workplace policies that keep nurses and other healthcare workers safe [4].
Inappropriate Patient Sexual Behavior in Nursing Education
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Created on 9/28/2023
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Archives of Women Health and Care, 2(1)
- Language: English
- Date: 2019
- Keywords
- nurses, healthcare workers, healthcare professionals, inappropriate patient sexual behaviors, IPSB, sexual harassment