course material

1. The nursing professional boundaries are defined
The nursing professional boundaries are definedThe nursing professional boundaries are
definedBegin reviewing and replying to peer postings/responses early in the week to
enhance peer discussion. See the rubric for participation points. Participate in the
discussion by asking a question, providing a statement of clarification, providing viewpoints
with a rationale, challenging aspects of the discussion, or indicating relationships between
two or more lines of reasoning in the discussion. Always use constructive language, even in
criticism, to work toward thegoal of of positive progress.As in all assignments, cite your
sources in your work and provide references for the citations in APA format. You may use
this APA Citation Helperas a convenient reference for properly citing resources or connect
to the APA Style website through the APA icon belowInclude references with peer
responsesBased on the development of therapeutic nurse-patient relationships:Explain the
continuum of boundaries of the nurse-patient relationship.Describe the negative results of
boundary crossing in the nurse-patient relationship.Peer #1The nursing professional
boundaries are defined as “the space between the nurses’ power and the client’s
vulnerability”(Black, 2017). These levels can be seen in a level of continuum in where
behaviors range from under involvement, helpfulness to over-involvement. Samples of
these behaviors include distancing, neglect, secrecy, role reversal, to money, and gifts(Black,
2017). In the nurse-patient relationship, it is not the responsibility of the patient to
maintain boundaries by is the nurse’s responsibility. It is a must that these boundaries lines
never be blurred because it may result in harm to the patient(Black, 2017). When these
boundaries are crossed, it is considered a volitation of the nurse code of ethics, and is a
reportable offense and may result in termination, and be reported to the board of
nursing(Black, 2017). Also, as a practicing nurse, it is crucial to understand their
professional boundaries. Seven principles that should be maintained in the nurse-patient
relationship are:ORDER NOW FOR ORIGINAL, PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPERSThe nurse is
responsible for maintaining the boundaryWork in the zone of helpfulnessExamine any
boundaries crossingsCertain variables can affect these boundaries such as the care
settingAny action that oversteps established boundaries to meet nurses needsAvoid dual
relationshipsPost-termination relationships(Black, 2017)Nurses must develop trust,
establish clear communication, and well-defined boundaries to prevent any confusion in the
nurse-patient relationship.Black, B. (2017). Professional Nursing Concepts &Challenges 8th
edition. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier.Peer #2From the very first encounter with our patients,
we are communicating and setting professional boundaries. The focus of a nurse-patient

2. relationshipincludesclear definitions of the professional role, confidentiality of information,
and goals for patient care and treatment (Valente, 2017). In order for a nurse to set healthy
boundaries with their patients, they need to be self-aware. Self-awareness is defined as
being able to recognizeone’sown emotions, prejudices, beliefs, values, and how they are
seen by others (Black, 2017). By beingself-aware, you can begin to see when the line starts
to get crossed from a professional relationship, to that of a social relationship, and this
recognition is key. If one was to find that the lines are starting to get blurred, it is wise for
the nurse to step back andself-reflectand to ask themselves, “Where is this emotion coming
from?” or “Why am I feeling this way?” This allows the nurse to adjust her practice and re-
focus on the patient and reach their goals for their treatment. It is the
nurse’sresponsibilityto ensure that a healthy rapport is made with their patients, setting
healthy boundaries, and evaluating thetherapeuticrelationship so that thepatients’needs are
met and not the nurses (Christensen, 2018). When keeping professional communication
with patients, such as body language, feedback, and listening, it is less likely that the
professional boundaries will be crossed.Negative results of crossing the professional nurse-
patient boundaries can have a negative impact, not only on the care of your patient, but the
nurse as well. Having worked in the correctional setting as a nurse, I have seen this happen
on several occasions. An example is of a nurse getting “love letters” from an inmate. This
nurse was flattered and would brag about it to her co-workers. When I confronted this
nurse on why she accepted the note from the inmate and did not give it directly to the
corrections officer, she had thought that she had done nothing wrong. I immediately walked
her to the corrections officeron the unit and informed him of the incident. After an
investigation, it appeared this activity had been going on for a period of time.
Thenurse’sactions of crossing her professional boundaries placed her at risk, as well as her
co-workers. She was not following policies and protocols set in place to keep staff safe in
thatenvironment, andwasultimatelyfired. The patient can also suffer negative effects if the
professional boundaries are not kept. For example, the nurse may be feeding into
thepatient’sco-dependency issues and therefore not creating atherapeuticenvironmentfor
the patient, causing more harm than good.References The nursing professional boundaries
are definedBlack, B. (2017)Professional Nursing Concepts & Challenges8thedition. St. Louis,
Missouri.elsevierChristensen, D. (2018). The Case of the Blurred Boundaries.ONS
Voice,33(5), 30.Valente, S. M. (2017). Managing professional and nurse-patient relationship
boundaries in mental health.Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services,
55(1), 45-51.