Date of Award
5-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Selected Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Nursing
Department
Nursing
School
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Abstract
Transgender individuals frequently encounter numerous obstacles when accessing healthcare services, including stigma, discrimination, and inadequate understanding from healthcare providers. Structural, interpersonal, and anticipation barriers significantly hinder transgender patients' access to care. Structural barriers include a lack of healthcare providers knowledgeable in transgender health and financial constraints. Interpersonal barriers involve discrimination, such as refusal to use correct pronouns or provide gender-affirming care. Anticipation barriers stem from fear of mistreatment, causing many to avoid seeking medical care altogether. Nurses play a vital role in upholding inclusive and affirming healthcare This qualitative descriptive study explored the subjective experiences of registered nurses who provided direct patient care to transgender clients in a healthcare facility (hospital or clinic). The study sought to capture nurses' experiences, including their perceptions of knowledge and training, as well as the emotional landscape they encounter in daily practice. By examining, describing, and explaining the experiences and potential barriers nurses face, this study illuminated the critical factors that influence the provision of culturally competent care. The future significance of this study is that it may inform nursing education in the potential implementation of new curricula, guide healthcare policies for at-risk individuals, and promote practices that enhance the well-being of both transgender and gender-normative patients. This research will contribute to a nascent body of literature that supports patient-centered nursing practices while advocating for the needs of this underserved population.
Related Pillar(s)
Study
Recommended Citation
Matson, Gabriela Roxana, "Caring for Transgender People in Healthcare: A Qualitative Descriptive Study with Nurses Working in an Acute Healthcare Setting" (2026). Theses & Dissertations. 244.
https://digitalcommons.molloy.edu/etd/244
