Professional Boundaries
profProfessional Boundaries and Expectations for Nurse-Client Relationships
Acknowledgement
The College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia gratefully acknowledges the Alberta Association of Registered Nurses (AARN) for permission to adapt, in whole or in part, their document Professional Boundaries: A Discussion Paper on Expectations for Nurse-Client Relationships (1997).
Abstract
The mission of the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia (the College: CRNNS) is “Registered nurses regulating their profession to promote excellence in nursing practice.” The purpose of this document is to stimulate discussion about expectations for the professional behavior of registered nurses in nurse-client relationships and to provide a framework within which registered nurses can reflect on their actions and determine what constitutes appropriate behaviour. The focus of discussion is on recognizing and respecting professional boundaries in nurse-client relationships, and on what may be done when professional boundaries are crossed. Professional boundaries separate the therapeutic behavior of a registered nurse from any behavior which, well intentioned or not, could reduce the benefit of nursing care to patients, clients, families, and communities. Recognizing and respecting professional boundaries may be straight forward in some instances, but very complex in others. The CRNNS’ beliefs about therapeutic nurse-client relationships are outlined. Signs that should alert nurses to the presence of a professional boundary issue are discussed, and examples of instances where professional boundaries have been crossed or violated are provided. Scenarios that illustrate several points about professional boundaries for educational purposes are also included. Finally, options and solutions for professional boundary issues are proposed, including the resources and assistance available to registered nurses and to Nova Scotians.
In January 2002, a new Registered Nurses Act was
Acknowledgement
The College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia gratefully acknowledges the Alberta Association of Registered Nurses (AARN) for permission to adapt, in whole or in part, their document Professional Boundaries: A Discussion Paper on Expectations for Nurse-Client Relationships (1997).
Abstract
The mission of the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia (the College: CRNNS) is “Registered nurses regulating their profession to promote excellence in nursing practice.” The purpose of this document is to stimulate discussion about expectations for the professional behavior of registered nurses in nurse-client relationships and to provide a framework within which registered nurses can reflect on their actions and determine what constitutes appropriate behaviour. The focus of discussion is on recognizing and respecting professional boundaries in nurse-client relationships, and on what may be done when professional boundaries are crossed. Professional boundaries separate the therapeutic behavior of a registered nurse from any behavior which, well intentioned or not, could reduce the benefit of nursing care to patients, clients, families, and communities. Recognizing and respecting professional boundaries may be straight forward in some instances, but very complex in others. The CRNNS’ beliefs about therapeutic nurse-client relationships are outlined. Signs that should alert nurses to the presence of a professional boundary issue are discussed, and examples of instances where professional boundaries have been crossed or violated are provided. Scenarios that illustrate several points about professional boundaries for educational purposes are also included. Finally, options and solutions for professional boundary issues are proposed, including the resources and assistance available to registered nurses and to Nova Scotians.
In January 2002, a new Registered Nurses Act was