Sexual Health Continuing Education for District of Columbia Nursing and Nursing Assistive Personnel

Target Audience
This course is intended for District of Columbia professionals regulated by or working under the Board of Nursing, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, home health aides, and nursing assistive personnel.

Teaching Method
Self-directed learning completed independently, with scenario-based reflection.

Overview
Sexual health is an important part of overall health, safety, dignity, and public health education. For nursing and nursing assistive personnel in the District of Columbia, general sexual health knowledge supports respectful communication, infection prevention awareness, client privacy, appropriate boundaries, and recognition of concerns that may require reporting or referral.

This course addresses broad sexual health topics relevant to covered professions under the DC Board of Nursing. Topics include HIV/AIDS awareness, sexually transmitted infections, HPV prevention, safer sex education, birth control awareness, consent, sexual history conversations, privacy, trauma-informed communication, and the importance of involving the appropriate licensed professional when questions fall outside a caregiver’s role.

The course does not prepare learners to diagnose, prescribe, provide counseling beyond their role, or replace medical advice from a qualified provider. Instead, it helps learners recognize common sexual health concerns, respond in a respectful and professional manner, protect confidentiality, follow workplace policy, document objectively when appropriate, and escalate concerns through proper channels.

Learner Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

• Describe general sexual health topics relevant to District of Columbia nursing and nursing assistive personnel, including HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, HPV prevention, safer sex, birth control awareness, consent, and privacy.
• Identify professional boundaries, confidentiality responsibilities, and referral needs when sexual health questions or concerns arise.
• Apply respectful communication, objective documentation, and appropriate reporting practices related to sexual health, safety, consent, and possible abuse or exploitation.

Disclosure
The planner(s) and author(s) of this educational activity have disclosed that there are no relevant financial relationships with any commercial interests related to the content of this course. This course is developed for educational purposes and does not receive commercial support.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this course is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the content is not guaranteed to be free from errors or omissions. Participants are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional for specific advice related to their circumstances. The creators and presenters of this course disclaim any liability for decisions made based on the information provided.