The answer is actually straightforward. A nurse should not enter into a friendship or other personal relationship with a patient, their family members or their substitute decision-makers. Always keep your personal and professional lives separate.
As a nurse, its fine to say hello to former patient you see on the street but that is it. Do not establish a relationship or friendship with that person. Once the nurse-patient relationship ends, it is okay to befriend a patient but be careful of what happened in the above situations.
Can nurses have relationships with patients?
However, as a nurse, youre obligated to keep your relationships with patients strictly professional. The nurse-patient relationship is a professional one; it shouldnt be used as a springboard for a personal, romantic, business, or financial involvement. Dating Dan would be legally and ethically improper.
Can you be friends with patients?
Some boundaries are clear. Professional medical organizations have strict rules against sex and romance with patients. Doctors are also advised not to treat family or close friends, situations that could compromise objectivity and judgment. Under HIPAA, it is a no-no to name-drop other patients.
What are the characteristics of a caring nurse?
17 Qualities that Make a Good NurseQuality #1: Empathy. Quality #2: Emotional Stability. Quality #3: Communication Skills. Quality #4: A Desire to Learn. Quality #5: Critical Thinking. Quality #6: Open-Mindedness. Quality #7: Versatility. Quality #8: Respectfulness.More items