[LovebugLPN]

I have been an LPN for 5+ years and always remembered being told not to get attached to patients because I would become an ineffective nurse. I did really well until I started doing agency work with a child with developmental disabilities. I posted some concerns on this site and was told I should consider leaving this child because it was not a good idea to become so involved. I like this job because it works well with my son's school schedule and I adore this child I work with. My question is how do I take a step back and become less attached? The family likes me more then the other nurses because they can tell I really care and am not there for just the money (their words). I need to know how to become more "professional" again. I was really not like this the first few years I was working. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am actually considering leaving nursing for good.

[carol20lpn]

LovebugLPN

I think that most of us go into nursing because we care. After being a nurse (LPN) for 38 years, I have become attached to many residents/patients. You just have to be careful not to let your personal attatchment get in the way of your professionalism.
You sound like a good nurse and I am sure that you are able to keep the professional and personal relationship within safe limits.
Good luck in your career.

cj

[caliotter3]

Can you identify specific behaviors that you could change in order to get back to what you consider to be a more professional level? Don't feel bad. Most in this area of work get attached to their patients. It is just some who take it too far. Those who do, engage in very obvious practices, some of which are forbidden outright by their employers. If you feel that you are too far over the line, or that you are in a compromised position with the family, then you will have to make the decision to leave the case. There is no way around it. But only you know how overly involved you are, and only you know if you can regain some control over the situation. Think about it, have a talk with the family, and reset boundaries. Try to do this before you take it to your supervisors, so that they don't downgrade your job performance for it. It is not totally your fault. It just might be easier to tell your employers that you feel it is time for a change and find another case. Good luck with your decisions.