Sexuality is an important aspect of patient care, but research consistently demonstrates that nurses do not address sexuality unless the client asks specific questions. Review of research on sexuality-related practice suggests that nurses acknowledge their professional responsiblity to address sexuality with clients, but may not feel comfortable doing so. Continuing education on sexuality is of questionable value in improving practice. Recommendations for improving sexuality-related practice include requiring multiple experiences addressing sexuality of nursing students and new staff, as well as increased research to identify more specific nursing strategies for addressing clients' sexual concerns.
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