Compassion and kindness are some of the most vital aspects of nursing care, but sometimes, nurses face allegations of being too involved with their patients. The AZ Board of Nursing recently suspended the license of a registered nurse for repeated boundary violations with a patient. The nurse in question was both an ER nurse and a contract nurse for a private IV hydration company. She began treating a patient with hydration fluids and medications at home, for cash, without doctor's orders. The nurse brought her children along to treatments, asked the patient for loans, and climbed into bed with the patient while giving treatments. The patient allegedly gave the nurse between $30,000 and $48,000. The AZ Board of Nursing suspended the nurse's license indefinitely, although she may reapply after three years.

If you are a nurse facing discipline, whether related to financial or patient care issues or any other issue, you are not alone. The Lento Law Firm, with its successful track record of helping hundreds of medical professionals with licensing and discipline issues, is here to guide and support you. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or submit your details online, and we will contact you.

Professional Boundaries in Nursing Practice

All nurses must preserve professional and personal boundaries with their patients. Every state nursing board has its own set of standards for ethical practice, but the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) provides the following guidance on professional boundaries:

• Be mindful of the power imbalance in the nurse-patient relationship.
• The needs of the patient should always be a nurse's first priority.
• A nurse should avoid crossing boundaries, particularly if done repeatedly

Nurses may rightly argue that the policy on professional boundaries provides limited concrete guidance. While it's clear that sexual improprieties are prohibited, defining financial and personal boundary violations is a far more complex task.

Avoiding Boundary Violations

A nurse should be mindful of ethical standards to avoid charges related to boundary violations. It is important to understand that what constitutes a professional boundary violation will depend largely on context. The NCSBN recommends that a nurse consider the following to avoid overinvolvement with the patient:

• The setting for care. Boundary violations are more common when treating a patient in their home as opposed to a hospital or clinic.
• The needs of the patient. Many patients will be more vulnerable because of their health or circumstances.
• The nature of the therapy. Some kinds of therapy are more likely to involve the potential for boundary violations.

Despite considering all these issues and dangers, a nurse may become the focus of a disciplinary investigation for violations of professional boundaries. The nurse will have no option but to fight the allegations and attempt to explain the context of their behavior.

How the Lento Law Firm Can Help

The Lento Law Firm understands that professional boundary issues can happen to any nurse or medical professional. If you are facing allegations, call the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team. We are committed to vigorously fighting to defend your reputation, nursing license, and career. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or submit your details online, and we will contact you.