How do nurses belonging to the LGBTIQ + community relate to patients? a qualitative study from Switzerland

TL;DR

This study explores how LGBTIQ+ nurses in Switzerland manage their relationships with patients while balancing authenticity and fear of rejection.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the experiences of LGBTIQ+ nurses in patient relationships, highlighting their unique challenges and strategies.

Findings

LGBTIQ+ nurses often face a dilemma about disclosing their identity to patients.

They strive to balance authenticity with the fear of rejection in patient interactions.

Appropriate self-disclosure can help build trust and relationships with patients.

Abstract

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.

A qualitative descriptive approach with semi-structured interviews was applied.

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.

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.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12912-025-03254-y.