kissing a pt/ resident

tracytoon · Mar 7, 2005

Sigh. There is no difference.

Marti Ann · Mar 7, 2005

Sigh. There is no difference.

A nurse openly (in front of staff and supervisors) greets some of his

elderly patients in a LTC setting with a kiss on the cheek stating this is a

way he shows compassion and caring. He denies any sexual implications.

patients refer to him as a gentleman. Is there any justification for these actions?

Is it wrong/unethical?

Is this different with a female nurse?

What do you think?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sigh. There is no difference.

The question is kissing or hugging a resident/pt ok to do??,not so much of a difference, but is this a problem?

I think you need to get permission first.

some think this is wrong. for any nurse to openly do this?

I wanted some nurses answers here.I have legal nurses and abuse listserver answer.

thanks.

live4today, RN · Mar 7, 2005

That's not something I would do, but if the supervisors and the patients don't mind, why should we?

I can hug a patient, squeeze their hand as if saying, I'm here for you...you are going to be alright...relax...don't fret........something to that nature. But, not kiss a patient on the cheek or anywhere else. But then again...that's my way...and that nurse has his way. :)

Tweety, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2005

It's not something I would do. Although I've hugged patients and family members before, mainly saying goodbye or during some bereavement.

People can take things the wrong way nowadays. Especially since the general concensus seems to be men are hormones run wild (see this forum and one in the current events thread). (just kidding).

Soleilpie · Mar 7, 2005

What you've described seems innocent enough but here in the U.S. we have to be careful that the wrong message doesn't get sent. In other countries, greetings with a kiss on the cheek is normal.

SmilingBluEyes · Mar 7, 2005

Got to be careful w/any form of physical contact. Some of us are comfortable with hugs or touches, for instance. Others see it as an invasion of their personal space, or even assault, in extreme cases. I usually ask for permission before touching anyone in any way, because some people really hate physical contact by others, especially those they don't know well.

danolden · Mar 7, 2005

It doesn't matter if he feels no sexual implications exist, it's the perceptions that are important. Especially when the kissee can't object. Scan the newspapers for articles about sexual abuse of patients. Think people don't read those? One can cultivate professionalism without sacrificing heart or caring.

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2005

We have long term patients and we would give a peck on the cheek to say happy birthday, merry xmas and goodbye. Dunno if I would do it on daily basis or weekly basis.

I dont enjoy pts getting familiar with me anyway, yesterday a patient who found out I was married to a police officer asked me if I made his blue lights flash when we make love! He was firmly put in his place.

hoolahan, ASN, RN · Mar 7, 2005

I only think it would be wrong if he didn't know them. He obviously doen't do this to a new resident he doesn't know, right?

What is the harm here? We are talking about one human being brightening another human being's day, in a facility where they are living until their end comes? I for one am glad your co-worker makes these folks feel special. I hardly think it is sexual in any way!

Chad_KY_SRNA · Mar 7, 2005

I don't care for it but if my residents feel like giving me a peck on the cheek thats fine with me. I sure wouldn't make a big deal out of it. Female nurses do it all the time. If I saw a nurse stick his or her tongue down a residents throat I would be a little grossed out. Infection control is my big concern with kissing, I know its a little nuts but its my body.

zacarias, ASN, RN · Mar 7, 2005

Absolutely nothing wrong with it. I wouldn't do it but I don't work with elderly folks and was born and raised in the US. However, when I lived in Mexico, I routinely kissed female friends and elders on the cheek.

I do not see many, if any, of the residents objecting to this form of greeting from that nurse. If a family member or another staff objected, well he might have to adjust his ways; I hope he does not have to face such intolerance.