Violation of Boundaries By A Nurse

Do you need to consult with an attorney regarding your nursing license or other professional licensing matter? Call (503) 232-9280 to schedule a free consultation with a nurses attorney.

Because they are in a position of power, and often providing care for patients who are sick and vulnerable, nurses need to pay special attention to appropriate boundaries.

Most nurses are attracted to the field of nursing because they care about people and want to help them, but those desires – when taken too far – can have serious professional consequences.

A violation of a boundary by a nurse could lead to a complaint being filed with the state board of nursing, which, in turn, can lead to disciplinary sanctions by the board.

It is important to note that the nurse – not the patient – is the one responsible for determining and maintaining appropriate boundaries.

Violations of boundaries by a nurse can include:
• sexual misconduct (verbal and/or physical)
• entering into a sexual or romantic relationship with a patient
• misuse of personal or confidential information
• communicating with a patient in a way that could be perceived as insulting, humiliating, or demeaning
• giving money to a patient or receiving money from a patient
• giving gifts to a patient or receiving gifts from a patient
• acting as a representative of a patient through a power of attorney
• hiding aspects of a relationship with a patient from others
• preferential care or time with a patient
• any type of behavior that isn’t consistent with the nurses’ standards of practice

Believe it or not, even if you accept a patient as a contact on social media, you could be violating a boundary.

Disciplinary sanctions for nursing boundary violations can range from a letter of concern to license revocation, depending on the type and number of violations.

If you’d like more information about violations of boundaries for nurses, call us at (503) 232-9280, or e-mail .

Please make note: The Keaney Law firm helps nurses in Oregon, Washington, and Texas with all aspects of nursing license defense, including: allegations, investigations, settlements, and appeals.