I keep getting hugged

[noyesno, MSN, APRN, NP]

For some reason, my patients like to give me hugs. I do not initiate the hugs but will hug back when hugged.

Does accepting a patient hug cross a line?

I would like to remain professional and worry hugging may not be.

What do you think?

[rn/writer, RN]

If hugs are okay with you, enjoy the fact that your patients think enough of you to want to hug you.

If you don't want to be hugged, offer your hand for a handshake instead and just say, "I'm not much of a hugger, but thank you."

Sometimes, people are starved for a simple touch. Hugs can be therapeutic.

[gymnut]

To me hugs are awesome!

That simple gesture of human touch can mean the world to someone battling a horrible disease or even someone who is depressed about their circumstances.

Of course these is the exception if the patient is covered in something icky or if it's a male who just wants to hug you so he can do the whole 'boob press' thing.

[noyesno, MSN, APRN, NP]

If hugs are okay with you, enjoy the fact that your patients think enough of you to want to hug you.

If you don't want to be hugged, offer your hand for a handshake instead and just say, "I'm not much of a hugger, but thank you."

Sometimes, people are starved for a simple touch. Hugs can be therapeutic.

Thanks for your reply rn/writer! :)

Now, I feel good about today's hug. The patient came to the nurses station, called my name and gave me a big bear hug. I was worried that it might look unprofessional (still a student for 15 more days trying to make a good impression my current unit, so they might consider me for a job).

[noyesno, MSN, APRN, NP]

To me hugs are awesome!

That simple gesture of human touch can mean the world to someone battling a horrible disease or even someone who is depressed about their circumstances.

Of course these is the exception if the patient is covered in something icky or if it's a male who just wants to hug you so he can do the whole 'boob press' thing.

Good insight gymnut (p.s. I love your name)!

Haven't gotten a 'boob press' yet, thank God!

[sevensonnets]

I love a good hug, especially in the middle of a really bad day. And, I love giving away a good hug when somebody looks like they need one. Don't care if it's considered nonprofessional or not.

[stephie_love]

It's amazing how something as a simple as a warm hug could brighten someone's day...

I say, as long as you are comfortable, hug away! :hug:

[KarmaWiseRaven]

LOL Have you ever thought the reason why they are hugging you is because they know whats coming and you don't. So they feel best hug you while they can because you might not like them in a few days when they start pulling your hair and yelling at you LOL. Just a thought... PS nice knowing you LOL ROTF.

Unemployment is down the street or do you want the number to that truck driving school you see on TV i can find it for ya LOL Gosh i just kill myself at times. No really hugs are great take while you can. And don't worry you will know when it's crossing the line and hopefully before standing in front of the DON LOL..

[noyesno, MSN, APRN, NP]

Your replies are great. I feel so much better about my hug history. For some reason, I thought nurses weren't suppose to hug. Glad I've been set straight because I do like to hug and think it can be beneficial for both the huger and the hugee!

Hugs to all! :hug:

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

Hugs are OK but I had a patient kiss me on the neck once in the guise of a hug, blech...

[Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN]

I think hugs are great! I work in home hospice, so I see all my pts on a regular basis. Everyone of them (plus family members) hug me everytime I visit. Of course, I hug them right back! It's nice to know someone thinks enough of you to want to hug you.

[handyrn]

Watch out!! I also love hugs and was used to geriatrics where they were ok. I then got a job at a Christian (haha) Children's Home. Well, I didn't hug any of the kids but mistakenly touched one on the shoulder. I was told very bluntly that I was NEVER to touch a child unless it was a medical necessity or for restraining purposes. These were abused and abandoned kids that needed love so badly, and it was a Christian Home. I didn't work there long. There was nothing Christian about this place and I can't be a stone cold b**** like they wanted me to be.

My point is, make sure you know your rules and atmosphere lest you get in trouble.

By the way, you were also NEVER to be in a room alone with a child regardless of sex. That included Dr. appointments-there had to be 2 staff members present at the Dr. as well.