prejudicial and segregational behaviors. When this is permitted to occur, an environment that feeds a multitude of social illnesses and destructive behaviors develops. In the Navy Medical Department, no expressions or actions based on prejudicial attitudes will be tolerated. It is both the moral and legal responsibility of the healthcare provider to render services with respect for the life and human dignity of the individual without regard to race, creed, gender, political views, or social status. RELIGION A large majority of people have some form of belief system that guides many of their life decisions and to which they turn to in times of distress. A person’s religious beliefs frequently help give meaning to suffering and illness; those beliefs may also be helpful in the acceptance of future incapacities or death. As a healthcare professional, you must accept in a nonjudgmental way the religious or nonreligious beliefs of others as valid for them, even if you personally disagree with such beliefs. Although you may offer religious support when asked and should always provide chaplain referrals when requested or indicated, it is not ethical for you to abuse your patients by forcing your beliefs (or nonbeliefs) upon them. You must respect their freedom of choice, offering your support for whatever their needs or desires may be. GENDER In today’s Navy, you will encounter many situations where you are responsible for the care and treatment of service members of the opposite sex. When you treat service members of the opposite sex, you must always conduct yourself in a professional manner. To ensure the professional conduct of a healthcare provider is not called into question, the Navy Medical Department provides specific guidelines in BUMEDINST 6320.83, Provisions of Standbys During Medical Examinations. Some of these guidelines are as follows: A standby should be present when you are examining or treating a member of the opposite sex. Whether this standby is a member of the same sex as the patient may be dictated by the availability of personnel.  Common sense dictates that when you are caring for a patient, sensitivity to both verbal and nonverbal communication is paramount. A grin, a frown, or an expression of surprise may all be misinterpreted by the patient.  Explanations and reassurances will go far in preventing misunderstandings of actions or intentions. Knowledge, empathy, and mature judgment should guide the care provided to any patient. This is especially crucial when the care involves touching. As a member of the healthcare team, you are responsible for providing complete, quality care to those who need and seek your service. This care must also be provided in a manner compatible with your technical capabilities. AGE The age of the patient must be considered in performance of patient care. As a Hospital Corpsman, you will be responsible for the care of infants, children, adults, and the elderly. Communication techniques and patient handling may need to be modified because of the age of the patient. Infants and Children Infants can communicate their feelings in a variety of positive and negative ways, and they exhibit their needs by crying, kicking, or grabbing at the affected area of pain. An infant, however, usually responds positively to cuddling, rocking, touching, and soothing sounds. Children need emotional support and display the same feelings an adult would when ill: fear, anger, worry, and so on. When ill, children may display behavior typical for an earlier age. For example, when hospitalized, a child who has been toilet trained may soil himself. This is not unusual, and parents should be informed that this behavior change is temporary. While the child is under your care in the hospital, you are a parent substitute and must gain the child’s confidence and trust. Offer explanations of what you are going to do in ways the child will understand. Elderly In taking care of the elderly patient, a healthcare professional must be alert to the patient’s mental and 2-6