How often are you touching your patients?

allnurses Guide · Jan 13, 2008

I have physical contact with my patients as often as I need to. it may be for a procedure such as cannulation, catheterisation, examination or for comfort if they are in pain or distressed.

If I am giving them information depending on the patient and nature and information I will generally lay my hand on thier arm / hand

You do need to be aware not everyone is welcoming of physical contact and respect thier personal space but you ten to get the feeling for which patinets that may be.

JaneyW · Jan 13, 2008

I work L&D which may be more touchy-feely anyway, but I touch my patients a lot. It is my style. I touch their shoulders, arms, legs (when they are pushing) and get a little more intimate as it is the nature of the job. You do run into some patients that are not as comfortable with it and then I back off a bit. However, I find that most of my patients respond well to my touch and will instigate a hug when I transfer them after delivery or when I am leaving for home after my shift.

I tend to do a lot of touching when dealing with perinatal loss as well. I have held patients when they cry and have kept my hand on them and cried with them as they were going through it.

Without getting as new-agey as Jean Watson, I think she is absolutely right that our presence and our touch as nurses are very important to the care we are providing.

Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN · Jan 13, 2008

I am a nurse from Czech Republic and I have a question about possible culture difference. We are taught that we can touch our patient as often as we like. Male patients is better to touch only in those body areas without sexual impact - for example shoulders or elbows. How often do you touch your clients (I am not speaking about normal touching by procedures) and do you have any problems with it? Sorry for my english I hope you will understand me.

I don't touch patients unless I am doing a procedure. That doesn't mean to say that I am cold or unkind, it just isn't in my nature to touch people unnecessarily, and I would not want anyone to misconstrue my intentions.

I have hugged family members when a loved one has died. But very judiciously.

Blee

EmmaG, RN · Jan 13, 2008

I work L&D which may be more touchy-feely anyway, but I touch my patients a lot. It is my style. I touch their shoulders, arms, legs (when they are pushing) and get a little more intimate as it is the nature of the job. You do run into some patients that are not as comfortable with it and then I back off a bit. However, I find that most of my patients respond well to my touch and will instigate a hug when I transfer them after delivery or when I am leaving for home after my shift.

My daughter still raves about the L&D nurse who stroked her hair. She says that calmed her more than any drug they'd given her (well... ok, the epidural helped too lol).

showbizrn · Jan 13, 2008

Probably NOT often enough.

I work in Adult Psych and the use of touch must be carefully administered to prevent any faulty perceptions from the patient.

leslie :-D · Jan 13, 2008

i'm touchy to a fault.

very demonstrative.

but most times, i do it quickly so it's non-threatening.

leslie

Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP · Jan 13, 2008

I touch my patients quite a bit - but I do mother-baby, so I'm doing a lot of hands-on teaching with babies and their new mommies. Sometimes I have to have a hand on Mom's breast to show her how to latch baby on to nurse, or to show her how to use a breast pump.

Like other posters have said, it's pretty easy to have a feel for who wants more personal space and prefers not to be touched. As long as I can still care for them competently, I respect that. I've hugged, held, patted, and massaged patients that wanted/needed it.

AliRae · Jan 13, 2008

I'm a peds person, so all the time! Kiddos are very hands-on, and I take any opportunity I can to get the little ones out of bed and hold them.

GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · Jan 13, 2008

I don't touch much other than during procedures. If someone is upset and crying I will squeeze their hand lightly, but thats it. I am afraid someone will think I have other intentions.

Dolce, RN · Jan 13, 2008

I touch, pat and hug my patients quite a bit. Most patients take it as a sign of comforting or compassion. I always back right off if I can tell that personal touch makes the patient feel uncomfortable. It doesn't have to be invasive. Simply holding the patient's hand during a procedure or patting their shoulder communicates empathy.

nyapa, RN · Jan 14, 2008

i really think it depends on your relationship with your patient. of course it has to remain professional. but if you are not comfortable, then don't do it. its not a hard and fast rule. there are some patients i would never touch. they wouldn't appreciate it. presence only may be required. then again, the person may not want you to be there at all!

on the other hand i had an old australian indigenous lady grab my hand yesterday and tell me she 'loves me'. she was from a remote community, very frightened, obviously well respected (probably an elder), and english was her second language. it was her way of thanking me, and i nearly cried.

so

be genuine, be yourself
judge the situation
know your patient