The NMC code: Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives (2008) states:
• “You must treat people as individuals and respect their dignity”.
• “You must not abuse your privileged position for your own ends”.
Boundaries of practice define the limits of behaviour which allow a GPN to have a professional relationship with a person in their care.
Cultural differences can affect individuals’ ideas about their personal boundaries. GPNs should therefore be sensitive to this and treat people in a way that reflects their views and wishes and preserves their dignity. There may be added issues when the nurse and carer live in the same small geographical area.
Some boundaries are clear-cut, whist other are less clear and require the nurse to use their judgement.