i feel violated. i am a health professional?

and one of my patients a year old man just tried to kiss me on my lips. he grabbed me by both sides of my head and kissed me on my lips it would have landed on my lips if i hadnt moved quickly. he hit the corner of my lips.

i was too shocked to do anything. it happened at the end of our appointment. instead of shaking hands, this is what he did. at first i thought he was going to kiss me on my cheek, thats what some of my other patients do. and i am fine with that. but full lips no way.

i have to see this guy again next week. how should i handle it? at the end of the meeting just extend my hand, so he has no other choices.

He’s old – are you sure it was meant in a sexual way? My grandma tries to kiss me on the lips and it creeps me out too but she doesnt mean it in a sexual way. Maybe this guy was just trying to say thank you – the correct and most effective way would have been to set the boundaries at that point. When he tried to kiss you, a response could have been: “Ohh! No kissing Mr. Blah Blah, hand shakes work just fine for me” Laugh and act like it was just a harmless misunderstanding. I would say yes just extend your hand at the next meeting and keep your face away from his hands. If he gets grabby or makes inappropriate comments – talk to your supervisor.

It seems very strange that you wouldn’t have training on how to deal with this, it is not uncommon when working with the elderly. Refer to your employee manual where it most likely has a procedure to follow.

I would report the patient to the practice manager. He’s elderly, is it possible that he didn’t understand that his actions were innappropriate?

You need to be very firm, clear and professional and tell him flat out his behavior was inappropriate and yes, when you leave, put your arms out and stand back from him. Under no circumstances should he get away with this.

At is i possible he is experiencing dementia? If not, keep your distance.

You need to report this patient’s behavior to your supervisor ASAP. That patient can be charged with sexual harassment!

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  • He’s old – are you sure it was meant in a sexual way? My grandma tries to kiss me on the lips and it creeps me out too but she doesnt mean it in a sexual way. Maybe this guy was just trying to say thank you – the correct and most effective way would have been to set the boundaries at that point. When he tried to kiss you, a response could have been: “Ohh! No kissing Mr. Blah Blah, hand shakes work just fine for me” Laugh and act like it was just a harmless misunderstanding. I would say yes just extend your hand at the next meeting and keep your face away from his hands. If he gets grabby or makes inappropriate comments – talk to your supervisor.

  • It seems very strange that you wouldn’t have training on how to deal with this, it is not uncommon when working with the elderly. Refer to your employee manual where it most likely has a procedure to follow.

  • I would report the patient to the practice manager. He’s elderly, is it possible that he didn’t understand that his actions were innappropriate?

  • You need to be very firm, clear and professional and tell him flat out his behavior was inappropriate and yes, when you leave, put your arms out and stand back from him. Under no circumstances should he get away with this.

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  • At is i possible he is experiencing dementia? If not, keep your distance.

  • You need to report this patient’s behavior to your supervisor ASAP. That patient can be charged with sexual harassment!

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