When to touch?

[mj<3]

I am a very touchy person. When someone is upset I like to hug and use my hands as comfort to the other person. But when you're a nurse, a person( whether it is a patient or family members), might not like that. It could be a cultural issue or just the way he or she is raised. My question is.. is is appropriate to comfort in this way? or should I just completely refrain from doing this?

[Psychcns]

Touching can be perceived as intrusive. I let pts initiate hugs or touching and I respond/reciprocate. I sometimes touch a pt on the side of their upper arm when they leave my office--that seems ok. I often find myself moving closer to a pt when I am listening or stop typing and just look at the person.. or hand the pt a tissue if they cry. I do psych and I try to give the pt space and support..And not touch...interesting to think about..

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Same as above. I will touch the upper arm provided I don't get an idea they would object. If I know them and they are huggers I will hug. Offering tissues at hard times is the best idea.

[OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN]

I am like you op. I touch a lot, although that sounds bad hahaha. I hold a hand if in pain, I've rubbed a laboring mom;s backa nd used counter-pressure, I've massaged lotion on a patient in a lot of pains back and he was elderly and couldn't talk but moaned in pleasure when I did that. I feel like in little ways it's okay. I've never had a bad response and I wouldn't just start hugging but its kind of situational and what teh relationship is between my patient and I. I felt good that I brought teh elderly man some comfort and he died a few days after that I later found out. In my labor and delivery semester I did a lot of hand holding and arm rubbing and that was probably iniated by the mom but I am completely comforted by that. Anyhow I think you just need to see how it goes and how it feels.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

As you get more experience you'll know when it is OK to hug someone. I will hold their hand touch their arm....make a connection in some way. If the moment is appropriate they can cry in my arms. Never force it and educate yourself about different cultures and practices. That will help a lot. I have always done a ton of independent learning about this religion and culture practices fascinate me.