Q: Male uncomfortable with search by female nurse in rehab facility, policy contradiction and mental distress

A: The way this works is that you ask a question and we do our best to answer it. You have asked no question nor have you alleged that anyone has harmed you in any way, so what can we say? The ONLY fact that you do provide is that you and your friend were addicted to drugs when these events took place. That fact will be used against you to suggest that your judgment/perception was impaired (and it probably was). Understand that, notwithstanding my colleague's comforting words, your credibility is compromised. ALL facilities need income to pay for staff and upkeep. Whether you were paying the facility directly or the facility was being paid by the State, payment STOPPED the day you left/were kicked out. No business turns away paying customers unless they are more trouble than they are worth. You provide no motive for your expulsion beyond suggesting that it was done for the sole purpose of causing you mental distress. Not only does that make no sense, it is contrary to the facility's mission.

A: It sounds like you experienced a situation at the rehab facility that left you feeling degraded and uncomfortable, which is understandable given the circumstances. Facility policies are meant to protect patient safety and privacy, and if the policy states that males and females should have no contact, having a female nurse conduct a search on a male patient appears contradictory. Being asked to remove clothing and perform actions that caused mental distress is a serious concern, especially when your discomfort was ignored.

Reporting your concerns to a counselor and being told to drop the matter while also being punished by removal from the facility can feel unjust and traumatic. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect in medical and rehab settings, and being kicked out after following rules only adds to the distress. Your experience shows a breakdown in policy enforcement and patient advocacy, which can contribute to lasting mental and emotional strain.

You can document everything that happened, including dates, staff names, and the policy contradictions you observed. Filing a complaint with the facility’s administration or a state regulatory agency may help address these violations. You also have the option to seek support from a mental health professional to process the distress this experience caused. Taking these steps can help protect your rights and ensure that your concerns are acknowledged.