Patient and RN relationship?

[co_gai_viet]

Patient is a 73 y/o male of Pacific Inlanders. Patient is very friendly, loves to give hurts and padding on the backs. Although this made the female nurse taking care of patient a little bit uncomfortable, she brushed it off and thinks nothing of it. May it a cultural things or it's just this patient's friendly personality. While doing nursing care for this patient, patient attempted to kiss the nurse on the cheek. The nurse jumped back, gave the patient an awkward smile and continues her tasks but try to avoid as much as possible for the rest of the shift. She would only enter the patient's room if absolutely necessary.

How would you response to this situation? What would you do differently?

What is your definition of sexual harassment? Where do you draw the line between friendliness and sexual harassment?

What are your responsibilities as a nurse to keep the patient-nurse relationship professional?

[leslie :-D]

Patient is a 73 y/o male of Pacific Inlanders. Patient is very friendly, loves to give hurts and padding on the backs. Although this made the female nurse taking care of patient a little bit uncomfortable, she brushed it off and thinks nothing of it. May it a cultural things or it's just this patient's friendly personality. While doing nursing care for this patient, patient attempted to kiss the nurse on the cheek. The nurse jumped back, gave the patient an awkward smile and continues her tasks but try to avoid as much as possible for the rest of the shift. She would only enter the patient's room if absolutely necessary.

How would you response to this situation? What would you do differently?

What is your definition of sexual harassment? Where do you draw the line between friendliness and sexual harassment?

What are your responsibilities as a nurse to keep the patient-nurse relationship professional?

how would i respond to the situation? i'd let the pt. kiss my cheek! dang, i've had dozens and dozens of pts kiss me.

sexual harrassment is the receipt of a sexual gesture from another person. had the pt. given the nurse a kiss on the mouth, then that could have been perceived as sexual harrassment, but not being kissed on the cheek.

my responsibilities will remain as they are. i deliver competent and professional care, recognizing/assessing pt. needs and facilitate the road to recovery as ably and adeptly as possible.

it's too bad the nurse was so offended by this patient's gestures.

leslie

[zacarias, ASN, RN]

I agree with Leslie and I also want to mention that it sounds like this patient's care was compromised because the nurse avoided going into his room unless absolutely necessary. In this case the nurse should request a different assignment.

BTW, it's Pacific Islander. :)

[casualjim]

It's a cultural thing. Pacific Islanders are typically loving and affectionate people. Hugging and kissing on the cheek is par .

live aloha

Jim

[casualjim]

let me add though, if she is uncomfortable, have her tell the "old uncle" to watch himself and dont do that anymore. Do it with a smile though, he's 73 yeah.

aloha

Jim

[Town & Country]

Too bad all patients aren't like that.

LOL

I realize some people aren't comfortable with physical contact but I'm not one of them.....I'm touchy-feely (as long as it's appropriate!)

I'd love to have a friendly, affectionate patient.