Standbys in Today's Medicine

[Charlene M Morris]

 Recently, I began practicing at my original rural FP position in NC and I
have had several instances of needing to examine "private parts". In that
regard, I requested a standby, as that is what I have done for the
past several years. I would really like opinions: yay or nay? Does it matter
F-M, MM FF, or M-F?

The NP with whom I work feels comfortable not conscripting a nurse or MA to
be in the room, although I was told to absolutely not do an unmonitored exam
at the ERs where I have worked. By way of history, I trained in the late
'70s with a lady Ob/Gyn and she told me to get used to doing my own exams,
because as a  female PA, I would be doing the pelvics without assistance.

Opinions welcome and requested! It is the 21st century and we have other
concerns to ponder.

C M Morris