Cathy Young

A triad of evidence for care of women with genital piercings

Purpose: To add three further dimensions of evidence for the care of women with genital piercings (GPs). Data sources: Following a literature review, a cross‐sectional study replicated previous work, using a web‐based survey. This triad of evidence provides (a) descriptive quantitative data (N = 240) about women with GPs, (b) qualitative data about women with GPs, as well as (c) clinical observations from 60 healthcare providers (HCPs) who have cared for women with GPs. Conclusions: Three important findings about women with GPs were validated: (a) GPs were deliberate actions, sought for personal and sexual expression; (b) women with GPs treat piercings as a normal, meaningful part of their lives which produce sexual enhancement and expression; and (c) they continue to seek information about GP care from nonhealth providers. New data indicate that they have experienced depression (47%), abuse (physical 18%; emotional, 27%; sexual, 14%), and forced sexual activity (35%) in their lives. Several unsubstantiated assumptions about women with GPs are challenged with these data. Implications for practice: GPs should not delay important health care. Health‐protective, as well as health promotion, behaviors are important to reduce risks. Nurse practitioners (NPs) can become effective and resourceful advocates in three specific areas of care: (a) responsiveness to women with GPs, (b) collaborative decision making for the removal of jewelry, and (c) promotion of applicable patient education.

What Nurses Need to Know When Caring for Women with Genital Piercings

This article explains why women get genital piercings (also called intimate piercings) and what nurses need to know when these women present for gynecologic or obstetric care. Readers may earn two CNE contact hours for this learning activity by completing the post-test and participant feedback form at http://IournalsCNE.awhonn.org.

Nursing advocacy for women veterans and suicide

Little is known about suicide variables in women Veterans. The authors reviewed numerous applicable health care and military literary sources regarding suicide in this population. The current article describes the surrounding circumstances, military war/conflict culture, and potential effects on women Veterans, including major collection problems with current Veteran data. Women Veterans are increasingly reporting more behavioral health issues (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder) and attempting suicide upon civilian reintegration. Outcomes from this literature review suggest the importance of nursing advocacy to create better rapport and communication with women Veterans from Vietnam, Gulf I, Iraq, and Afghanistan wars seeking care at civilian health facilities, as some may present with suicidal ideologies.

Suicide assessment and action for women veterans.

Many deployed women Veterans, as described in a previous article, have experienced similar combat exposure as their male counterparts in wars since 1990. Upon reintegration, many Veterans visit civilian health facilities with behavioral health issues, sometimes voicing and/or attempting suicide. Effective nursing assessment and actions are needed to specifically care for this unique population. Any suicide variables (e.g., ideation, attempts, completed) are concerning; therefore, all women Veterans from the Vietnam, Gulf I, Iraq, and Afghanistan wars should be assessed. The first priority is always patient safety. Timely and frequent screening for a variety of risk factors, documented for both men and women Veterans, and women specifically, are important. Symptomology may not become evident for 3 to 15 months into reintegration. Applicable dialogue can recognize changing thoughts, judgment, and behavior patterns. Health promotion efforts, interventions, and resourceful referrals are provided.

Recantation: a case study.

This case study explores the problem of recantation, the act of publically declaring that a former disclosure is untrue. Recantation in child sexual abuse cases can be devastating for forensic teams who work with victims of sexual abuse and put the victims of CSA at increased risk of further child sexual abuse. Recanting complicates efforts to protect victims, or other potential victims. When recantation occurs, victims are often placed back in the situation where the abuse occurred, the perpetrator has continued access to the victim and the abuse continues. To prevent recantation, Forensic nurses should be involved in case from the time of disclosure until the case is completed.