Dating a former patient

[thepsychtech]

First off, I work as a psychiatric technician - I am not a nurse.

Can I legally date a patient after she has been discharged from the psychiatric hospital in which I work? I cared for each of the patients under my care equally - she and I seemed to hit it off instantly, though. Would I be breaching confidentiality laws or the code of ethics by seeing her outside of the hospital now that she has been discharged?

[EatYourVeggies]

Noooooo!

[SouthernPsy]

Ethics aside, I imagine there are probably specific hospital and/or state policies pertaining to this situation. However, because you are a tech and not a licensed professional, the rules probably aren't as stringent for you. While getting my social work degree, it seems like I remember learning that the individual had to be free from the licensed therapist's care for a specific amount of time. I think it was maybe a year or two, but again that's for a licensed individual.

[SouthernPsy]

Think about it.....

"I hit if off instantly with a person who was mentally unstable enough that she needed to be hospitalized"

Keep repeating that in your head. Maybe something will click.

To be fair, there are many patients that have been hospitalized a time or two during a time of legitimate crises due to external tragedies outside of their control, some of which I think could cause most of us to fold and seek help.

[elkpark]

"Legally"? Probably yes. Ethically, no. Don't even think about it; just don't do it.

[gzussu]

Of course. I understand that. But he connected with someone who was, at least, acutely ill . He didn't say he knew her while she was well. He implied he clicked with her while she was unstable. Big difference.

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

First, I agree with most who have said this is a ethical issue, and you cannot date her. Also, I agree that psychiatric patients should have and need love, however, this situation is very thorny for the OP--don't get involved.

Another reason not to date this individual: suppose she comes back to your unit. What if the relationship ended badly and she blames you for pushing back over the edge? What if she sees you there and singles you out? What if, after she gets released, she goes to the media, etc. to accuse you of something…even if you did nothing wrong? The situation is so fraught with danger for you (the OP)…please, just don't do it!

[jebernhard]

I agree with the ethical and HR concerns, and those concerning how mental illness severe enough to lead to an inpatient stay is not something that can be fixed with a complicated intimate relationship (aren't they always?).

In Psychiatric Nursing, when one feels an immediately repulsed or attracted to a patient, always think of their transference and your own counter-transference. Many have been snared in this trap.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

Another reason not to date this individual: suppose she comes back to your unit. What if the relationship ended badly and she blames you for pushing back over the edge? What if she sees you there and singles you out? What if, after she gets released, she goes to the media, etc. to accuse you of something…even if you did nothing wrong? The situation is so fraught with danger for you (the OP)…please, just don't do it!

Yes. This is the point I was too lazy to make.

Do you really want the person talking to patients and staff about your relationshiip? Maybe even your personal or sexual preferences and abiliites?

In addition to boundaries, transference, counter-transference, dependency, power and control issues; the patient coming back into the hospital creates a situation that will be catastrophic at the worst, uncomfortable at the very least.

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

Maybe even your personal or sexual preferences and abiliites?

I didn't even consider this.

[Stephalump]

I didn't even consider this.

It's happened. Relationships between staff and patients have ended, and the trauma has put the patient right back in the facility where they met and I bet they're info is EVERYWHERE. Humiliating.

[GregoryGeczi]

I would not date a former patient my friend. I really would not. It is just not a good idea. You may open a can of worms that should remained closed.

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

It's happened.

Oh, I'm sure it has! While I am friends outside of work with a few people with whom I work…well, let's just say, some things they don't need to know. Of course it would only be an issue if I did not have faith in my "abilities."