Am I in violation of code of ethics?

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So I work at an adult day care and it's not really like a normal nursing job. I'm with the same ppl 8hrs a day 5 days a week so I've grown very close to my members. They're like family to me. I've taken some of my members to bingo outside of work, invited one of my members over for thanksgiving because he has no family and I've purchased clothes for some of my members with my own money bc they can't afford new clothes. A lot of the members are very low income and they Can't afford new clothes. One lady was even being beat up by her husband and he kicked her out...she had no where to go so I let her stay with me for the weekend til she figured it out. Am I in violation of something here? I know I probably am but that really bothers me because I'm in no way exploiting or taking advantage of any of the members I do all I can to help them. Could I get in trouble for any of this? I'm just really worried when state does their compliance check that they may find out about some of these things and I could get my licensed taken or suspended. Where so I go from here?

Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
All these comments are repetitive. I Don't know why people feel the need to type out paragraphs upon paragraphs when it's already apparent I have receieves many answers to my questions.

Threads tend to take on a life of their own. While you started it, it is available to the public for comment. Considering that there are somewhere around 10,000 AN members, there will be many people reading and replying to posts. Some will read only the first page or two of responses, some will read only the original post, and some will read all posts before responding. If you are not interested in reading any further replies, you can unsubscribe from the thread by clicking on the "- Bookmark" link at the top of the page. Additionally, even if you are subscribed to the thread, you can simply avoid opening it. That's the beauty and the beast of the internet- public interaction without face to face requirements- that allows people to communicate at all times with pretty much anyone in the world, but you lose the elements of non-verbal cues such as tone of voice, facial expression, gestures, etc. While some posts have been a bit blunt, you have received good advice. What you do with it is up to you.

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Some of us reply as we read, so our thoughts and comments aren't skewed by others. That's the way many internet forums work.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
All these comments are repetitive. I Don't know why people feel the need to type out paragraphs upon paragraphs when it's already apparent I have receieves many answers to my questions.

Then why come back? If I didn't like how my post was going or I already got the answer, I move on. You don't have to come back & tell us again & again how "over it" you are.

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Specializes in 15 years in ICU, 22 years in PACU.

Well, I read all the posts and have a new thought now.

We have all assumed the OP wants to continue practicing as a nurse and needs to protect her license. If she wants the privilege, protection and PAY of a licensed nurse then there are responsibilities and repercussions of violating the agreement we make with the BoN. Plenty of sound advice has been given on this.

However, if you just want to be a nice person and help others, then carry on! Just don't represent yourself as a nurse.

Stay safe.

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Criminal or civil charges for what?

Because you are taking your position of power and control over a patient and manipulating that to suit your own psych/social needs.

You are doing a disservice to them by not meeting their long term goals and getting social services involved for some firm solutions.

Call it what you want to, however, you can never prove that you did not take money, belongings, rent, social security checks from the people that you have living in your home. An believe you me, once you go down that rabbit hole, your clients that you feel so strongly for can and do turn on you, (I want new clothes TOO!! You have to provide me with HOUSING!! No?! Well, you stole my money, took my check, stole my coat and gave it to Annie at the daycare....) See how this all snowballs far, far away from your intent?

That would be criminal. If a family gets wind of all you are doing, again, they can and do get defensive, get thinking about you getting more than them, all the way to "that nurse is trying to take over and get us out of the WILL...."

When you cross professional boundaries, there is nothing to say about it that can justify it. No defense if your name and character are dragged through the mud.

People get weird, especially when it comes to the relatives/spouse. In the case of the battered woman--you are amazingly lucky that you were not brought up on kidnapping charges by the bitter husband. If this person is in adult day care, they are unable to live independently without some support. Which can speak to competency-- And that makes this all much, much more creepy and wrong.

And bears repeating--no one knows your intent but you. I am not sure your motive, but to use your position for your own emotional needs is wrong on a number of levels. And if you are not in it for what you can get from these clients, then it is fulfilling some personal need. And that is wrong.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Closing thread per OP (original poster) as they have received many educational posts regarding nursing ethics and professional boundaries.

During my 25yrs in home care, I've purchased socks for homeless in shelter, sheet set + foam mattress for bedbound MS patient with multiple decubs who's heels were touching buttocks, was on medical assistance and only had 17yo daughter supporting her. Delivered many Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners that staff contributed food. We do many things for our clients that hospital nurses would never get involved: picking up incontinent products at DME company cause they wouldn't deliver to patients area, picking up sandwich/food for long term housebound client without family and meals on wheel dinners depleted with next deliver in 2 days.

When our mom baby nurse found new mother living with her 3 other children in new apt. due to prior house fire and children sleeping on summer lounge chairs, agency staff all pitched in with used bedroom furniture, bedding,clothes and toys for children as Christmas season. These activities all done with Management notification and approval.

Taking someone into own home is when boundary crossing occurred, but unintentionally. Kudos to coming here and asking for advice. You've acknowledged having a better understanding of professional boundaries and ideas to help improve your practice at the adult day center . The center needs caring persons – just need to learn about your community resources to help get involved for clients. In PA, our state representatives have resource lists on their website + booklet. Ask your boss if your Area Agency on Aging - Administration on Aging has orientation session to learn about their programs, especially protective services.

There articles that may be of interest:

Don't cross the line: Respecting professional boundaries

A Nurse's Guide to Professional Boundaries - NCSBN

Professional Boundaries: Partners in Quality Care

Professional Boundaries for Caregivers

Professional Boundaries in Home Care

Best wishes in your nursing journey as you learn resources to improve your practice. Allnurses is here to support you, open 24/7. :)

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