Blurring the boundaries: technology and the nurse-patient relationship

Nurses, like the rest of the world's population are increasingly participating in online social media. Nurses must be mindful to avoid situations that could ultimately compromise past, present and future patient health and wellbeing, as well as their professional identities and reputations and that of the nursing profession. Unprofessional uses of social networking tools are common. This article aims to inform nurses of the public accessibility to professionally inappropriate online behaviour and activities. It asks nurses to carefully consider the risks posed by online social media with a focus on boundary crossing in an e-society. Forethought is required to ensure that private information stays private and that the nature of the professional relationship between nurse and patient continues to be respected.