Professional Boundaries and Dual Relationships in Clinical Practice

Professional boundaries are the defining lines that help protect the patient and the nurse practitioner (NP). They continue to be a topic of misunderstanding and under-education. In the professional relationship there is a power differential between the healthcare professional's authority and the patient's vulnerability. This differential creates the need to keep safe professional boundaries with patients. An NP participates in a dual relationship when he or she is both healthcare provider and friend, business associate, family member, or coworker to a patient. This article aspires to offer clarity and guidance in the areas of dual relationships with patients.