Since this is a resurrected thread with a new twist on the question, let's stick to that question. Specifically, the poster wishes to know if it's OK to date a now-former pt. I suspect that *somewhere* in her hospital's policies this is referenced. It was actually spelled out in the rules for our psych unit that, should one choose to pursue a social relationship with a patient where none previously existed, there should be a lapse of six months from time of discharge.
Granted, as I heard the entire time I worked there, "Psych is different." Your mileage may vary. I would tread lightly, check into the existence of such a policy, and should you choose to pursue this, be discreet. And should he return to the unit for care for any reason, request you not be assigned to care for him since there are clearly feelings going at least one way, and probably both directions :). Good luck and be careful.
