"I don't have AIDS"

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Have you guys ever had a patient say this when they see you putting on gloves? I've heard it at least half a dozen times or more. I don't understand why some patients get offended when you put on gloves.

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Specializes in Home Health, Case Management, OR.

I have never had a pt question me about putting on gloves, in fact they tend to watch and make sure I wash my hands AND put gloves on!! Just stress to the pt that gloves are worn for ALL pts to protect both parties from transmitting germs.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Yes, I have, several times. I even had one get insulted because she felt that 'even after taking off the gloves, I felt the need to wash my hands'.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Never.

Seriously I can't remember not one time. I have heard complaints from patients "and so and so didn't even wear gloves......"

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Specializes in ICU/ER.

I have never had a patient say that to me, ever. I have been gloving up for almost 5 years. Maybe it is a regional thing??

I would just say "I dont either-but it is for the protection of all"

Are you gloving up to do basic care or just touching? I dont glove up for things like vitals, really only when I am going to be touchy anything icky or get some form of secreations on me.

I did have an AIDS patient once and I patted her cheek and stroked her forehead with my bare hand and her mother pulled me aside later and thanked me and said "hardly anyone touches my daughter with thier bare hands"

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I have never had a patient say that to me, ever. I have been gloving up for almost 5 years. Maybe it is a regional thing??

I would just say "I dont either-but it is for the protection of all"

Are you gloving up to do basic care or just touching? I dont glove up for things like vitals, really only when I am going to be touchy anything icky or get some form of secreations on me.

I did have an AIDS patient once and I patted her cheek and stroked her forehead with my bare hand and her mother pulled me aside later and thanked me and said "hardly anyone touches my daughter with thier bare hands"

No, just for blood draws or wound care. It's usually middle-aged white men, blue collar, like construction workers. I figure it has to do with coming of age in the 80s with the HIV stigmata.

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Yes, I have, several times. I even had one get insulted because she felt that 'even after taking off the gloves, I felt the need to wash my hands'.

Interesting. I've never had a woman say it, just men.

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I recently had blood taken at a hospital other than mine so the phlebotomist did not know I am a nurse. She got everything ready, was ready to draw, and I said," Are you putting gloves?" She laughed and said sacastically, "Are you afraid I have HIV, I've been doing this long enough to know who has it and who doesn't!!!!!" I told her she could make a mint with that kind of fortune-telling ability!!

Good grief! I asked for the lab supervisor and explained the situation. He thanked me, did the draw....and she gave me a look that could have killed!

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I did have an AIDS patient once and I patted her cheek and stroked her forehead with my bare hand and her mother pulled me aside later and thanked me and said "hardly anyone touches my daughter with thier bare hands"

thank God for you, racing.

that broke my heart.

leslie

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Specializes in Med/ surg,ortho.onc,supvsn.

Quite a few years back, when the idea of gloves and protective equipment was new, i frequently got that question.What do you think i have something??Now, it is common practise and pt's EXPECT you to wear them.I do not have any pt' ever question it now in this day and age..

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Specializes in Case Management.

Good teaching opportunity. I swear some patients what comes out of their mouths!!

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Specializes in Neuroscience, ED.

I have never had a patient ask me that. I think they are happy to know we wash our hands and put on new gloves in each room to combat passing infection. I mean there are three boxes of gloves on the wall when you want into each room, I think the patients in theis day and age have figured it out. Weird that someone should say that to you.

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