Can I refuse the assignment if....

I would say discuss this with your charge nurse and make sure there are aware of the issue and a decision would be made depending on what is said. Sometimes if in a small community where you know everyone it is hard to refuse an assignment and boundaries may need to be set down as well as trust

Ask the Charge and ask the patient. I've looked after co-workers but only after I've asked them if they are comfortable with me caring for them.

We always joke on my unit that we will try and go to the hospital across town in order not to traumatize each other. One went as far as to have her pre-op foley put in, in the OR and then she removed it herself rather than have someone in the same hospital do it.

I love and trust my coworkes but never want them to see me or see them naked...

I've been almost relieved to see a familiar face when waking in PAR or on the floor. I have also looked after co-workers and others I know. I've looked after family members of friends and they seem to be happy to see someone they know. I think it would depend alot on what they are there for and the kind of care needed.

Huh-

My facility is pretty flexible, you can refuse anyone you want for any reason you want essentially. Once someone switched a patient with one of mine (before our shift) on the basis that she had him before and just didn't like him. One person switched with me because the guy was homeless and stunk and she didn't want to deal with him. If I knew someone I wouldn't provide care for them, it's a conflict of interest. I know it's against the Ontario CNO Standard that if you have had sexual intercourse with someone before and you provide care, you could be brought up on charges of sexual contact with a patient. EVEN if it's like a one night stand from high school or something!