MDU advice: keep it in context It's important to be able to show compassion for patients and comfort them when they need it. But bear in mind that if you initiate a hug, there is a chance it may be misconstrued – particularly if the patient reads into something else you say or do and considers it inappropriate.
A therapist can hug a client if they think it may be productive to the treatment. A therapist initiating a hug in therapy depends on your therapist's ethics, values, and assessment of whether an individual client feels it will help them.
Anytime you touch someone or enter their personal space, you should do so with their clear permission. Hugging involves a complete invasion of the other person's personal bubble.
A hug may or may not be acceptable. The person who has the right to make that determination is the patient. Nurses are expected to interact with patients in an empathetic way that supports the patient's healing or wellness. Nurses are not required to hug patients when patients ask for a hug.
“In a clinical exam, patients consent to being touched. They haven't consented to any other intimate contact, however,” Reese writes. “Although some patients might welcome a hug, others might consider it an invasion of their personal space or a sign of attraction.
“Physicians are authority figures and thus are in a position to directly influence others. It's not uncommon for patients to feel an attraction to their doctors, or other health care providers, especially when good feelings experienced between the two; where patients feel heard, understood and cared for.”
Crying with patients can be way to break down the barrier between care provider and patient and help you deal with the stress and loss that happens on the job in a healthy way. If you're not a crier, that's OK too.
Djordjevic explains that "crying with a patient can benefit both medical personnel and patient. Firstly, because it's a cathartic experience for medical staff given they're relieving stress, and secondly, because they're able to create a more meaningful bond with their patient."
According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) there are questions to help determine the appropriateness of dating a patient and guide professional boundaries. How long ago was the nurse-patient relationship? If it's current, dating is prohibited.
If the person is leaning back or has their arms crossed, then they probably don't want that hug you're offering. The bottom line is to err on the side of caution and just stop for a second to assess the situation before you go in for that 'well done! ' hug. It may not be either appropriate or welcomed.
Hugs are a normal friendly gesture but in general there are social cues for when it is appropriate to hug someone, and in those cases, the hug is expected and permission is usually implied without anyone needing to ask.
But first, resist the urge to hug a client, even if you've just got great results on a project or haven't seen them in ages. Hugging can come across as unprofessional and you're representing your company here. Stick to handshakes and warm words if you want to convey how much you value the (working) relationship.
Your therapist won't mind if you ask but don't expect him or her to comply with your request, especially your need to be held. Your request exceeds the boundaries between patient/client privilege.
They won't tell you that. It's too dangerous. A therapist will almost never say, “I love you,” even if they feel or think it. Therapists know that the therapy relationship can be confusing, and it's not unusual for clients to get the wrong idea and fall in love with their therapists.
It's okay... even human... to ask. Whether or not your therapist is comfortable with it is not even your concern.
Believe it or not, this situation can happen. Mental health professionals refer to this as transference. It can occur with caregivers of any kind, including physicians, nurses, and care aides.
A patient crying during a visit can be viewed as clear signal of patient distress and possible need for professional help to alleviate suffering.
Grieving is a normal reaction to dealing with sadness and loss, and doctors should be given the space to grieve. It's OK to cry sometimes.
Many nurses have caring responsibilities outside of work and do not get adequate rest before and after their shifts. This makes it even more important that they return from breaks refreshed. If nurses want to sleep on their breaks, not only should it be allowed but it should be actively encouraged.
This affectionate gesture signifies that your guy cares deeply about you. "The back is a very vulnerable part of the body," Wood says. "You can't see your back, so being touched there can be startling." Softly rubbing you on such an exposed zone shows that he wants to nurture and protect you.