Professional Boundaries in Nursing

Overview

• Presented by: NCSBN Nursing Regulation Division
• Topic: Professional Boundaries
• Audience: Nursing Educators, Nursing Professionals, Nursing Students
• Year: 2014
• Length: 9:12 minutes

Main Objectives

• To maintain professional boundaries.
• To strengthen the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship.

Key Concepts

Continuum of Professional Behavior

• Understanding the range of behaviors permissible in a professional setting.

Boundary Crossings

• Minor deviations from accepted practice.
• Typically result in a return to established boundaries.

Boundary Violations

• Major transgressions that can potentially harm the patient or professional relationship.
• Examples include inappropriate relationships and breach of trust.

Professional Sexual Misconduct

• A severe boundary violation involving any sexual behavior with a patient.

Factors Contributing to Boundary Issues

• External Factors:

  • Influence of social media.
  • Cultural and societal expectations.

• Internal Factors:

  • Personal emotions and stress levels of the nurse.

Consequences of Boundary Issues

• Damage to the nurse-patient relationship.
• Legal and professional repercussions.

Related Resources

• Transcript download: Download transcript
• Additional resources: Professional Boundaries Resources
• Video access: View on Vimeo, View on YouTube

Tips for Maintaining Professional Boundaries

• Be aware of and adhere to the policies set by your workplace.
• Regularly evaluate your own interactions and behaviors with patients.
• Use professional judgment to recognize potential boundary issues.

Conclusion

• Maintaining professional boundaries is crucial for effective nursing practice.
• Proper awareness and education can help prevent boundary violations and improve patient care.