Question

Explain the factors that determine our professional boundaries?

Answer 1

Professional boundaries

Boundaries are the dividing lines or the location between two areas. Professional boundaries refers to the ethical or legal framework for the safety of both clients and the professionals. Organisation also can lay down some of the professionals boundaries to regulate the staff's behaviour xnd relationship with the clients. It determines the space between a nurse and the client. Boundary violation refers to break, disregard, disagree or not act according to rules. examples :Abuse and neglect client, romantic relationship with the client.

Factors determining the Professional boundaries :

* Ethical standards: There are ethical standards described as code of ethics for nurse by the Professional nursing associations like ICN( international council of Nurses).examples: Autonomy, beneficience, nonmaleficence and justice. These standards determines the professional boundaries between nurse and client.

* legal standards: There are legal standards that determines the professional boundaries. Legal standards set by the Authority or Government to prevent the violation on another person's rights.

* Professional standards: Standards laid down by the organisational or professional body prevents the boundary violations such as accepting bribes or gifts, physical abuse of patient, romantic or sexual relationship with the client etc.

* Nurse client relationship: The type of Nurse client relationship influences the professionals boundaries.Nurse client relationship must be a professional relationship wth mutual trust and respect. Professional intimcy can be there, but not personal.

* Warning signs : Warning signs can be a factor to determine professional boundaries. A nurse should be aware about the warning signs of boundary violation. So that she can set strict following of professional boundaries.

Examples of warning signs are unnecessary self disclosure to the client to get an impression, , keeping secrets with a particular client, favouring one client alone, preoccupation with the client.