Boundaries

[90Random]

Hi, I am fairly new to the healthcare field and I work in a clinic in a town of about 20,000 people. I perform intake (rooming Pt.'s) and direct Pt. care as well as assisting my doctor during routine procedures. I do many other things, but this is how the majority of my time is spent. I am also fairly new to the community I work in. I have had Pt.'s show an interest in me personally. My question is simple, and I feel like I should know the answer. Where are the ethical boundaries concerning befriending and or dating women I have met through my job? The clinic I work for is family practice. I feel like any interaction outside of work has a potential to put my employment in jeopardy. I was in a very serious, committed relationship while in school and I didn't give this subject much thought. I am further confused by some of my coworkers' behavior. Any help is appreciated.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

What kind of behaviors are your co-workers exhibiting? I am confused.

Personally, I've never befriended former patients, male or female. In a small town it's harder to avoid them, but it's still possible to avoid crossing boundaries and getting involved with them. I was always nice and polite to anyone I bumped into outside my workplace, but there is a difference between being friendly and being *a friend*. Every nurse has to learn that difference; otherwise, they risk harm to their employment and even their careers. The balance of power between nurse and patient is always unequal, with the patient being at a natural disadvantage. And in a clinic there's a reasonable certainty that they'll return to your facility for treatment, so as you can see this can be very awkward if you had a relationship with this person.

Good luck with your new job, and welcome to allnurses!

[Sour Lemon]

Hi, I am fairly new to the healthcare field and I work in a clinic in a town of about 20,000 people. I perform intake (rooming Pt.'s) and direct Pt. care as well as assisting my doctor during routine procedures. I do many other things, but this is how the majority of my time is spent. I am also fairly new to the community I work in. I have had Pt.'s show an interest in me personally. My question is simple, and I feel like I should know the answer. Where are the ethical boundaries concerning befriending and or dating women I have met through my job? The clinic I work for is family practice. I feel like any interaction outside of work has a potential to put my employment in jeopardy. I was in a very serious, committed relationship while in school and I didn't give this subject much thought. I am further confused by some of my coworkers' behavior. Any help is appreciated.

Are you actually a nurse?

[90Random]

Thank you for confirming my thoughts on this subject. The behaviors I have witnessed are other nurses making plans with people we see in our clinic, and on a few occasions they have talked about their "hook-ups." Considering how small the town is, I didn't know if they had other contact with these people before they started working as a nurse. Either way, I see the point that you have made and I will not be using the "Everyone else is doing it," reasoning for my behavior. Thank you for your advice.

[90Random]

There is no need to live up to your moniker.

[Sour Lemon]

There is no need to live up to your moniker.

So, is that a yes or a no? I'm wondering because this is the sort of thing they really beat into your head during nursing school. If you're working in some other sort of position, then I would have no idea what the "rules" are.

[90Random]

I am an LPN. I have a very selective memory.