Professional Boundaries
CONCEPT ANALYSIS 2.
PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES
Professional boundaries separate therapeutic behavior of the registered nurse from any
behavior which, well intentioned or not, could lessen the benefit of care to clients, families,
and communities. Merriam-Webster's dictionary (11th ed.). (2005) defines “boundary” as some
thing that indicates or fixes a limit. Being clear about professional boundaries ; nurses must
maintain their professional boundaries and be aware of events or situations that may threaten
them. Boundaries are personal property lines that define who you are and who you are not. All
areas of our lives is influenced by boundaries. Physical boundaries help you determine who may
touch you and under what circumstances. Emotional boundaries help you deal with your own
emotions and disengage from the harmful, manipulative emotions of others. (Cloud, & Townsend,
1992). Mental boundaries give you the freedom to have your own thoughts and opinions. The term
boundary includes the notion of limits, lines or borders (Avis, Drysdale, & Gregg, 1983).
It is crucial for all health-care professionals to recognize the differences between therapeutic
relationships and other types of non-professional relationships. Boundary violations can harm
the client, the professional and others. The potential for harmful boundary incidents is decreased
when there is a good understanding of the issues involved. The ethical limits of relations between
registered nurses giving care and those persons who receive nursing care can be defined, and
boundary violations are described. Information on resources to help registered nurses is available.
Professional boundary issues arise for registered nurses outside of therapeutic relationships
with clients. There are registered nurses in teaching relationships with students, managing staff,
and in working relationships with co-workers or in other roles.
PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES
Professional boundaries separate therapeutic behavior of the registered nurse from any
behavior which, well intentioned or not, could lessen the benefit of care to clients, families,
and communities. Merriam-Webster's dictionary (11th ed.). (2005) defines “boundary” as some
thing that indicates or fixes a limit. Being clear about professional boundaries ; nurses must
maintain their professional boundaries and be aware of events or situations that may threaten
them. Boundaries are personal property lines that define who you are and who you are not. All
areas of our lives is influenced by boundaries. Physical boundaries help you determine who may
touch you and under what circumstances. Emotional boundaries help you deal with your own
emotions and disengage from the harmful, manipulative emotions of others. (Cloud, & Townsend,
1992). Mental boundaries give you the freedom to have your own thoughts and opinions. The term
boundary includes the notion of limits, lines or borders (Avis, Drysdale, & Gregg, 1983).
It is crucial for all health-care professionals to recognize the differences between therapeutic
relationships and other types of non-professional relationships. Boundary violations can harm
the client, the professional and others. The potential for harmful boundary incidents is decreased
when there is a good understanding of the issues involved. The ethical limits of relations between
registered nurses giving care and those persons who receive nursing care can be defined, and
boundary violations are described. Information on resources to help registered nurses is available.
Professional boundary issues arise for registered nurses outside of therapeutic relationships
with clients. There are registered nurses in teaching relationships with students, managing staff,
and in working relationships with co-workers or in other roles.