How do nurses belonging to the LGBTIQ + community relate to patients? a qualitative study from Switzerland
Abstract Background The relationship between nurses and patients is particularly important, as nursing activities often require a high degree of intimacy. To promote an open, honest, reciprocal and equal relationship, nurses disclose personal information and experiences about themselves. Nurses belo...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-05-01
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| Series: | BMC Nursing |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03254-y |
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| author | Carole Steiger Ursula Meidert Andreas Gerber-Grote |
| author_facet | Carole Steiger Ursula Meidert Andreas Gerber-Grote |
| author_sort | Carole Steiger |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background The relationship between nurses and patients is particularly important, as nursing activities often require a high degree of intimacy. To promote an open, honest, reciprocal and equal relationship, nurses disclose personal information and experiences about themselves. Nurses belonging to the LGBTIQ + community, however, may fear stigmatisation or rejection from their patients if they disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity. This study aims to explore how nurses belonging to the LGBTIQ + community navigate their relationship with patients under these circumstances. Methods A qualitative descriptive approach with semi-structured interviews was applied. Results Interviews with eight nurses who identified themselves as members of the LGBTIQ + community, were conducted. When building relationships, nurses belonging to the LGBTIQ + community often experience a dilemma as to whether they want to come out to a patient in a care situation/encounter. When patient-carer relationships are being built, there is often a heightened focus on striking a balance between not revealing too much or too little information about themselves. Conclusions In everyday life, nurses belonging to the LGBTIQ + community often face the dilemma of a desire for authenticity and the fear of rejection. Disclosing personal information and experiences, (to the right degree), can help build relationships. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-5dfcd08b18c74ce9b9f2f18d78790be8 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1472-6955 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Nursing |
| spelling | doaj-art-5dfcd08b18c74ce9b9f2f18d78790be82025-08-20T02:33:24ZengBMCBMC Nursing1472-69552025-05-0124111010.1186/s12912-025-03254-yHow do nurses belonging to the LGBTIQ + community relate to patients? a qualitative study from SwitzerlandCarole Steiger0Ursula Meidert1Andreas Gerber-Grote2School of Health Sciences, Institute of Nursing, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied SciencesSchool of Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied SciencesSchool of Health Sciences, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied SciencesAbstract Background The relationship between nurses and patients is particularly important, as nursing activities often require a high degree of intimacy. To promote an open, honest, reciprocal and equal relationship, nurses disclose personal information and experiences about themselves. Nurses belonging to the LGBTIQ + community, however, may fear stigmatisation or rejection from their patients if they disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity. This study aims to explore how nurses belonging to the LGBTIQ + community navigate their relationship with patients under these circumstances. Methods A qualitative descriptive approach with semi-structured interviews was applied. Results Interviews with eight nurses who identified themselves as members of the LGBTIQ + community, were conducted. When building relationships, nurses belonging to the LGBTIQ + community often experience a dilemma as to whether they want to come out to a patient in a care situation/encounter. When patient-carer relationships are being built, there is often a heightened focus on striking a balance between not revealing too much or too little information about themselves. Conclusions In everyday life, nurses belonging to the LGBTIQ + community often face the dilemma of a desire for authenticity and the fear of rejection. Disclosing personal information and experiences, (to the right degree), can help build relationships.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03254-yNursesLGBTIQ + communityRelationship buildingMinority stress |
| spellingShingle | Carole Steiger Ursula Meidert Andreas Gerber-Grote How do nurses belonging to the LGBTIQ + community relate to patients? a qualitative study from Switzerland BMC Nursing Nurses LGBTIQ + community Relationship building Minority stress |
| title | How do nurses belonging to the LGBTIQ + community relate to patients? a qualitative study from Switzerland |
| title_full | How do nurses belonging to the LGBTIQ + community relate to patients? a qualitative study from Switzerland |
| title_fullStr | How do nurses belonging to the LGBTIQ + community relate to patients? a qualitative study from Switzerland |
| title_full_unstemmed | How do nurses belonging to the LGBTIQ + community relate to patients? a qualitative study from Switzerland |
| title_short | How do nurses belonging to the LGBTIQ + community relate to patients? a qualitative study from Switzerland |
| title_sort | how do nurses belonging to the lgbtiq community relate to patients a qualitative study from switzerland |
| topic | Nurses LGBTIQ + community Relationship building Minority stress |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03254-y |
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