massage, still done?

Nurses General Nursing

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My fellow workers had a discussion last night on massage theropy for pts. I remember years ago when the nurse came in every night and ask if I needed a back rub, last night a pt ask a nurse to do this and my fellow nurse told him he did not feel comfortable giving rubs. I know we are very busy but would a simple back or leg rub have been theraputic? I have only been a nurse a short time and have never been ask by a pt to do this and would like to know If it is still a practice in your hospital. I personally do not feel at all uncomfortable giving a rub if I where to be asked by a pt, I think being in bed for a long period of time warrants this simple comfort measure.

What do you think?

Specializes in Cardiology, Oncology, Medsurge.

Yes for sure!

As a night nurse I will often use massage to quiet a confused patient or a patient having difficulty with sleep...works wonders. Of course for a sore back too. I am grateful when my aide offers this to my patients; we usually have a quiet night ;-)

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Specializes in ER.

HO, ho, ho!

:trout:

:blushkiss:

A backrub? :roll

*giggle, giggle* More likely to cure cancer, or find the stinky feet virus, than to give another backrub in the ER.:gandalf: :yelclap:

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Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.
Hello All.

Well, I am one of those nurses who still offer any and all patients a back-rub. I usually go around after my ten o'clock meds have been passed and before night shift comes in for report ( I work eight hour evenings, sigh...wishing we did 12 hours). Takes me maybe 5 minutes/patient, also gives me a chance to talk to patients that I didn't "have" that shift.

And, well, call me crazy but....I also walk around between 1800 -2000 hours and offer the patients (those who aren't NPO, of course) sugar-free hot chocolate or a cup of tea. Can't put the kettle on, but can put in 5-6 cups of water into the microwave. Not everyone will want the back-rub or the cuppa, but I offer.

I think, sometimes, we professional nurses can become so darn busy what with admissions, discharges, transfers in and out, visitors, passing meds and just doing "stuff" that we forget what the science of nursing is all about: the Art of Touch.

Respectfully,

athena

Awwww, what nice touches. :) I'd love to have you as my nurse.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.
Hello All.

Well, I am one of those nurses who still offer any and all patients a back-rub. I usually go around after my ten o'clock meds have been passed and before night shift comes in for report ( I work eight hour evenings, sigh...wishing we did 12 hours). Takes me maybe 5 minutes/patient, also gives me a chance to talk to patients that I didn't "have" that shift.

And, well, call me crazy but....I also walk around between 1800 -2000 hours and offer the patients (those who aren't NPO, of course) sugar-free hot chocolate or a cup of tea. Can't put the kettle on, but can put in 5-6 cups of water into the microwave. Not everyone will want the back-rub or the cuppa, but I offer.

I think, sometimes, we professional nurses can become so darn busy what with admissions, discharges, transfers in and out, visitors, passing meds and just doing "stuff" that we forget what the science of nursing is all about: the Art of Touch.

Respectfully,

athena

You are awesome. I wish more of us that have the time would do those extra touches rather than sit around gossiping or surfing the internet.

I'd also like to respectfully say that some of us in the trenches haven't really forgotten, but it's been beaten out of us in a system and staffing pattern that doesn't allow it. With my current ratios and our current staffing pattern of 110% productivity, I try my best for include the little things, but certainly can't offer every patient a backrub or anything extra for that matter. It's frustrating, but I haven't forgotten what the simple touches mean to a person's day.

Or as the male nurse (I presume it's a male above) states, he's too fearful of being labeled a predator (or in the case of male nurse on male patient, other stigma's).

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Specializes in cardiac med-surg.

used to years ago but not routinely now

if you ask for it i'm more than happy to oblige

we have one of those sweetheart nurses who will rub your back, make you tea and toast etc.

not me not nomore

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