kissing a pt/ resident

missichic · Mar 10, 2005

this is primarily a cultural issue! as others have mentioned, americans tend to be less comfortable with the cheek peck greeting.

remember, we are professionals, we treat the whole person, and we have to use our professional judgement in these situations. i understand that a lot of people would choose not to greet residents that way, but there is no harm in it, and it might just brighten an 85 year old lady's day!

there is also a more subtle issue here, and that is sexuality and the elderly. we have to remember that older folks are still sexual beings (whether they are medically able to do the deed or not). we have all heard stories of residents being caught "together", but they are adults!! in denmark, the nursing homes even have facilities to accomodate people's needs in this regard.

as for the infection control....have you worked/been in a nursing home lately? everyone shares germs/mrsa/colds eventually, no matter how much handwashing is done. if both people are well, i don't see a problem with a kiss on the cheek.

ktwlpn, LPN · Mar 10, 2005

I like to plant a peck on a bald forehead now and then-especially after I freshen my lipstick...The next shift thought a few of our fellas had ringworm a few weeks ago :chuckle Seriously-in LTC we are in their home and for many we become almost extended family...

tankity · Mar 19, 2005

*cringe* it just takes one allegation...

I only do LTC on the side, (per diem float) and really don't have the opportunity to make that kind of bond with any of the residnts. I do, however make it a point to shake hands and give a familiar resident a pat on the back, or a squeeze on the shoulder. It bridges the provider/ patient gap and makes them feel connected, without being intrusive.

BUT, everyone has their comfort zone.... Just be cautious not to cross a patient's or resident's comfort zone.

cursenurse · Mar 19, 2005

for elderly pt's, i don't see any problem with it whether the nurse is male or female. i know that when you work ltc, the residents and the staff are often very close and you kind of feel like everyone is your grandfather or grandma. i had some elderly pt's who wouldn't even take their meds w/out a hug or kiss on the cheek. for some people in ltc, you are all that they have. i wouldn't do it for most adults who were not elderly, or not in ltc part of it is because we do not have the same kind of relationship that i have with my residents in ltc. i did however have the cutest little toddler in the e.r. give me a hug just last week.

LPNer · Mar 19, 2005

Thankyou for your reasonable and reality based response! Why does it need to be any more complicated?

Thankyou, many of the posters seemed to have missed the point of the original post.

tomskm · Mar 21, 2005

:devil:

The whole thing is a joke...........Get real.......

Can one in a sane mind deny feeling attracted to a member of the same race (male or female or whatever)

A wise judgement would be to stay away from risky behaviour that could implicate us or our profession.....

play safe .... try this behaviour in one of those countries / societies that forbid male female contact, which is 'natural' to their society, and you could have your head on a chopping block.....arms tied at your back and a rug on your head.... :crying2:

Was it truly worth the kiss............ :uhoh3:

cheers:)

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Mar 21, 2005

Don't kiss but I do hold hands with both male and female patients and pray for them when asked. I hope this is taken in a positive way but , if not, I will still do it. We are the last and sometimes only comfort some patients, especially in LTC or on a terminal ward, have available. :saint:

MacERRN · Mar 31, 2005

I work at a large University hospital. We have alot of coeds coming into the ER for treatment. How do you think they'd feel about getting a peck on the cheek from their nurse??

Like everything in life, the decison is dependent on the situaton. I don't mind holding a hand for a painful procedure, but in a acute care setting where you haven't had time to establish repore, you better tread carefully or you maybe looking for another job.

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Mar 31, 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!

Agree.

It would depend on how long he/she has known the patient, etc.

At LTC, just as at dialysis, we get to really know our patients and become rather attached to them. One of our patients always leaves with his usual

"Goobye.. love you all !"

Yes, there are patients who touch me emotionally, and I have been known to spontaneously give them a loving peck on the cheek, or take their face in my hands and kiss their forehead. These are those whom I have know for some time, and they are "family".

Would not do this with a new patient.. trust and intention must first be well established.

Our patients greatly appreciate the special attention we give them. :)

Rustyhammer · Apr 9, 2005

I have no problem with giving your residents a peck on the cheek. It will make their day. Some never get hugs and kisses if it weren't for the staff who in some cases are the only family they have.

-R

Roy Fokker, BSN, RN · Apr 17, 2005

Agreed Rusty!

Come to think of it, it is something I haven't entierly accepted/understood here in America. Back home, it's perfectly ok for two men to hold hands etc. in public (but curiously, it's somewhat of a taboo to do the same with male and female!). Giving and recieving affection is quite an open thing...

Here, I gotta watch it I'm told.

I've given some residents hugs and kisses. Can't think of a better way to give someone some affection :)

QMA_David · Apr 18, 2005

uhhhh gross.... :uhoh21:

I hug many of my patients and I will let them kiss me on the cheek. Once in a while I while kiss one on the top of their head. However emotionally needy patients seem to want the kisses and hygene may not be at the top of their list. They may have just finger painted with thier BM 5 minutes before you came in then scrached their face......poor little souls get a hug which is really more comforting anyways..........