Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) hold an inherent position of power and influence over patients while providing nursing care. Professional boundaries allow for safe space between a nurse’s position of power and a patient’s vulnerability. Maintaining professional boundaries is a foundational part of nursing practice and a key characteristic of a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship built on trust, respect and compassion.

This presentation will discuss how LPNs can meet practice expectations and reviews the following concepts:

• An overview of the Standards of Practice for LPNs on Professional Boundaries,
• Guidance on how LPNs can navigate situations related to sexual boundaries;
• Describe other types of boundary issues that LPNs may be faced with; and
• Provide common strategies that LPNs can apply to uphold all types of professional boundaries.