Addressing ethical boundaries among nurses

Sexual intimacy is the primary boundary issue studied and reported in the literature, though it is not addressed directly in the ANA Code of Ethics. However, perhaps equally important are behaviors which may stem from nurses' meeting their own social and emotional needs through their work. Results of "Boundaries" workshops for more than 3000 nurses and other healthcare professionals are summarized. Recommendations are made, relative to both personal and professional behavior, along with a list of suggestions for nurse managers.