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Discussion

Use of gloves

I am a hospice LVN. Yesterday my supervising RN made a declaration that does not fit with my previous hospice experience and I was wondering how other hospices deal with this. She stated that ANYTIME I touch a patient I MUST wear gloves!! This is to include taking vitals, checking for edema. or giving comfort (YES, I specifcally asked about these scenarios). And I must remember all my observvations and write them (including vitals) after I have finished the patient exam and taken off my gloves. I then need to re-apply gloves if I need to touch the patient again. And, BTW, I'm NOT talking AIDS pts, but cancer pts mainly.

To say that this feels de-humanizing is an understatement. I came from LTC where we would never have done this. I also was not taught this in school. Sure I glove when coming into contact with bodily fluids or wounds, but for taking B/P?!?

So, what do my esteemed mentors of this list say? Have I been hospice nursing for 9 months dangerously? Should I have never touched the skin of those I am ministering to? Perhaps hospice is not what I envisioned.

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I only wear gloves when you know or think you will be in contact with blood or bodily fluids. No not when doing a blood pressure etc.

I would explain to her that you have never heard of this and ask her if you could see the agency's policy on it. I feel certain there is not one. If she gives you any problem, I would go to her supervisor. She obviously doesn't know what she is doing.

I have been a hospice nurse for 4 1/2 years and I only have worn gloves when coming in contact with bodily fluids. I would agree that it is not nessessary and de-humanizing.

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"ANYTIME I touch a patient I MUST wear gloves!!"

I disagree with that.

steph

Nope, after 4 years I've never heard of that. Yes, when coming in contact with bodily fluids but gee, a BP? Has she been doing this for very long?

mc3:nurse:

i'll wear them when in contact w/bodily fluids.

other than that, i'm sure my pts appreciate feeling the warmth and flesh of human hands.

leslie

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Nope, after 4 years I've never heard of that. Yes, when coming in contact with bodily fluids but gee, a BP? Has she been doing this for very long?

mc3:nurse:

Yes, she has been a hospice nurse for eight years!

And I agree with you completely.

I agree with the other posters. I only wear gloves if I may come in contact with body fluids or wounds. I believe that human touch is very important....especially when dealing with a terminal pt.

That seems impersonal and completely unnecessary ,human contact is a VERY important part of the job, maybe she needs some training in standard precautions

We wear gloves for labs and wound care or if dealing with copious amounts of secretions. I agree it's not necessary to wear gloves for vitals or bedside assmt, it's de-humanizing. Also, if everyone is doing good hand washing before and after assmt, that is the best protection for us all. We do wipe down our equipment between each pt.

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