I keep getting hugged

[noyesno]

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?

[SlightlyMental_RN]

I've had some female patients give me hugs. Now, that may seem inappropriate due to where I work (chemical dependency detox/psych), but it warmed my soul when they gave me a hug and told me what a difference I made in their lives. (I do avoid it with males, as I am large busted, and don't want the whole boob-press thing, as mentioned earlier.) However, I have no problems using therapeutic touch with both males and females. So many of my patients have been the outcasts from society for so long, I think it benefits them to have the gentle touch to the arm or shoulder, while you tell them that you will stay with them while they cry or talk or are in the midst of terrible withdrawals. It lets them know that I truly do care for them, which I do.

[Orange Tree]

The patient hugging you today could be diagnosed with scabies tomorrow.

[JBudd, MSN]

The patient hugging you today could be diagnosed with scabies tomorrow.

and the children I love and hug in my children's home have lice. Love is unconditional.

[CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN]

One time this patient, a frequent flyer, and attractive I might add, offered to give me a hug in the kitchen while I was having a chat with her. For fear of having my coworkers walk in on us I denied her this. Of course I would have liked it, but there's nothing worse than being labeled inappropriate by one's peers.

Had a lovely patient diagnosed with a brutal form of liver cancer give me a hug after I made a point to give her my best of care prior to her discharge. She was a loving soul with tons of friends, a heart breaking loss for everyone. I'd hoped my hug would have cured her on the spot, but unfortunately she passed away soon after.

[Lisa, MA]

I work in Peds so I get hugged all the time by the little people! I luv it! :redpinkhe

[itsmejuli]

I was a bit stressed doing a medpass on a hall I don't usually work. I do know the residents but not very well.

There's a blind, dementia woman who doesn't interact much with anyone. She was lying in her bed when I went in to do her accuchek. I did that and came back with her insulin and meds. I assisted her to sit up, gave her her insulin and meds. She's so sweet, always asking what's for lunch or dinner and when its coming. In that moment for some reason I just asked her if she wanted a hug. She said "ohhhh I haven't had a hug in a long time". I gave her a big hug and she hugged me back. It was wonderful :)

[Fribblet]

I like the sentiment, but I don't not like the invasion of my personal space.

A smile and a thank you is all I need.

Besides, patients rubbing their clothes all up on my scrubs only contributes to the spread of bed bugs, BO, and who knows what else.