Need advice on nursing/pt relationship post discharge

Nurses General Nursing

Published

While working on my mental health unit I came into contact with a man who I had a connection with. While he was a patient he would flirt with me but I maintained the appropriate patient/nurse relationship. Now that he has been discharged I'm wondering about the ethical standards that might say that a personal relationship could be initiated? My own ethics has kept me from having any contact with him since discharge but I'd really like to get to know this guy outside our previous professional relationship. As background info I only work part time and he was only ever my patient a handful of times while he was in hospital.

Do you really want to date someone you met on a psych ward?

That's such a ****** thing to say. People with mental illness are people. Grow up.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psychiatry.

Exactly mariebailey. I agree.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Let's fast forward a year from now... Say the relationship did work out. You are out to dinner with him, and you see your coworker/supervisor/etc. They recognize him. Now what? Or you want to bring your boyfriend (like everyone else) to a work picnic, holiday party, etc. How does that pan out? Go with your initial gut here, and move on. If you need to question it, you already have your answer. There are plenty of other people to date. You'll be fine. :up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.
I know :( I'm recently seperated) and I'm not a risk taker so its probably just emotional stuff clouding my judgment

I'm sorry...Hugs!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So, ummmm. Nope

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
I know :( I'm recently seperated) and I'm not a risk taker so its probably just emotional stuff clouding my judgment
((HUGS)) I'm sorry...... but especially now it really isn't a good idea.
Up Vote Up Vote ×

What about these two, below? I am glad they're happy, but remember wondering at the time why there was no mention of ethical/HIPAA issues at the time, at least publicly. Perhaps people looked past it because of the particular circumstances?

Boston Marathon Survivor Marries His Nurse - Massachusetts news - Boston.com

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PDN; Burn; Phone triage.
That's such a ****** thing to say. People with mental illness are people. Grow up.

Dude, I spent ten days on a psych ward last year. (Plus 45 days in rehab.) Spent most of my adolescence and early twenties in and out of psych wards -- maybe 30+ hospitalizations since I was 13. If AN handed out awards for professional crazies, I would win something. I'm sure.

It is generally advised that patients who "meet" on a psych ward (or rehab or residential facility or partial hospitalization) NOT become romantically involved for a reason. I think the same should extend to staff who meet patients on a psych ward.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

I don't think anyone else has mentioned this possibility, but it's worth consideration. What if he is hospitalized again, after you've established an out-of-the-hospital relationship. What would you do then?

There are so many negative things that could happen if you establish the relationship. Didn't we have a long thread about this awhile back? I can't find it, but maybe someone else can post the link to it?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Are you old enough to remember Nancy Reagan? She was famous for "just say NO". At the time it was meant for kids in reference to drugs. But I think it's transferrable to this scenario.

Just say no. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Feb 5 by dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN

Do you really want to date someone you met on a psych ward?

Most people on psych wards are just like other people, even nurses, but are just going through a hard time in their life. I find it shocking that a nurse would have such a reply. By the way, I have been both a nurse, and a patient on a psych ward.

That being said, I don't think ANY nurse should date ANY patient of theirs at least until a good amount of time has passed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
While working on my mental health unit I came into contact with a man who I had a connection with. While he was a patient he would flirt with me but I maintained the appropriate patient/nurse relationship. Now that he has been discharged I'm wondering about the ethical standards that might say that a personal relationship could be initiated? My own ethics has kept me from having any contact with him since discharge but I'd really like to get to know this guy outside our previous professional relationship. As background info I only work part time and he was only ever my patient a handful of times while he was in hospital.

I don't see why you wouldn't be able to remain in contact and friendly with the guy outside of work. You do still have YOUR OWN HUMAN RIGHTS!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment