Original Article“Never in All My Years…”: Nurses' Education About LGBT Health

- We interviewed 268 practicing nurses to assess the current state of the art of LGBT-sensitive nursing practice.
- Most of the nurses revealed that they had no education or training on LGBT health issues.
- Nurses' gaps in knowledge and discomfort for practicing that may adversely affect patient care.
- LGBT health care education needs to start in nursing schools and programs.
- Nursing curriculum, continuing education and institutional policies are addressed.

In spite of recent calls for patient-centered care and greater attention to the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients, nurses still lack basic education about LGBT patient care and, as a result, may have negative attitudes, endorse stereotypes, and/or feel uncomfortable providing care. This study reports on education/training of practicing nurses and explores some of the reasons for nurses reporting feelings of discomfort with LGBT patient care. Transcripts from structured interviews with 268 nurses in the San Francisco Bay Area revealed that 80% had no education or training on LGBT issues. Although most said they were comfortable with LGBT patient care, some of their comments indicated that they might not be providing culturally sensitive care. Implications for nursing education and for policies and procedures of health care institutions are addressed.