title: Therapeutic management of helping boundaries.
abstract: A therapeutic nurse-patient relationship is based upon the effective management of professional practice boundaries. Boundary violations may be difficult to detect and manage because they often are subtle and driven by one's own needs. Early detection and response is critical to preventing boundary relaxation and violation. Self-assessment is an important aspect of boundary management. Identification of vulnerability to boundary violation may assist the nurse in determining the need for supervision or consultation.
authors.affiliation: St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Pilette
authors.forename: C B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Berck
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Achber
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D003858:Dependency, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012803:Sick Role