do gynocologist have to have a nurse present during an exam?

There is no law that we have found requiring this in Florida.

Having a chaperone in the examination room has become fairly common place with many physicians as a protection for both patient and physician against possible legal or ethical issues; this includes both Male and Female physicians. Still, there are many physicians who do not use chaperones routinely for many reasons, not limited to a shortage of staff.

Certainly, during any pelvic examination, or if it is your first visit to a new Gynecologist, the patient may request, or even insist, that a chaperone be present during a pelvic examination. No doctor should refuse this request and if they do, you may want to find another physician to examine you.