Unethical?

[RebecaRN]

Is it unethical to date a recent patient? A coworker was the nurse for this patient and days after discharge she was "in a relationship" with this patient. We work psych and this seems unethical and a boundary issue to me. It makes me sick to my stomach thinking about it. I'm not sure if I feel that this is a bigger issue than it is or not.

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

As I've already said, the people I've known in the psychiatric community over the years haven't felt that there are "different rules" for psychiatric clients vs. other clients -- it is the position of the general psychiatric community that it is always inappropriate to enter into a personal relationship with a former client, regardless of the amount of time that has passed, regardless of the individual's diagnosis which brought the individual into a professional relationship with you. Period. What I have noticed over the years is that people in other specialties are not as careful and sensitive about professional and personal boundaries as responsible psychiatric professionals tend to be. Witness the many threads on this site, including this thread, in which nurses from other specialties speculate on when or under what circumstances it would be appropriate to enter into a personal relationship. For me, personally/professionally, and the competent and ethical psychiatric colleagues I've known over the years, the answer is "never." For reasons that I can't explain, and for which I take no responsibility, many nurses in other specialties feel differently -- they're entitled to their opinions, I suppose. But I don't see how nurses in other specialties being more casual about professional boundaries than psychiatric professionals equates to "stigma" against psychiatric clients.

Thanks, I understand your position now.

[LainieATL]

That is very unethical. You are obligated to report the incident. I work in psych and people are quickly terminated when such incidents occur.

[Ellie G]

I would not date a former patient at all but with Psych it's even more of a no-no. A Psych patient is inherently vulnerable and there is a definite power/helplessness imbalance in that relationship. Definitely crossing a boundary and that nurse needs to be doing some soul searching as to why they think this is a good thing. Could be reported to the Board i think.

[RNrhythm, BSN, RN]

How grotesque, but I wonder, is there an imbalance in power?

Are they, as a couple, equals or is the nurse very dominant?

[Erythropoiesis]

Absolutely unethical and in most places of employment it is specifically addressed as a major no-no. Dating your patient is using your position of power to take advantage of someone who may not be all there yet, be it mentally or physically.