Lesson 10

The Healing Touch

Personal Policy re: Appropriate Touch

I have an BSN/RN son so I hear quite often on how he handles his day in his work area; Gloves and hand washing between each patient.  He also removes his scrubs and shoes in his garage and never takes them into his house where is family is.  It seems to work well.  

My personal policy objectives would look something similar to this:

Always ask permission before touching anyone.

Don't lean over patents and be near their face

Wear mask and gloves when appropriate

Dispose of gloves and wash hands between patients and before entering my office or car

Touch Policy

Touch can be very therapeutic and comforting for a patient or someone in distressful situations but it is best practice to always get permission first. If permission is granted then a touch on the forehead or shoulder or holding a hand would seem adequate and acceptable. If the person doesn't give permission to touch their body, I'd be very amenable to their wish. Sometimes there may be instances when a patient doesn't wish to be touched at all.   Outside a hospital/care facility setting I may opt to hug a person if permission is given.  I would never presume to touch a person's body or get in their personal space without specific permission.  Re touching someone of the opposite sex or another culture/religious practice....permission and respect is vital.