Establishing therapeutic boundaries as patient advocates

Pediatric nurses often struggle to define their advocacy role with patients and their families. Nursing is based on the therapeutic use of self and caring. An unclear therapeutic relationship can undermine nurses' advocacy efforts. Nurses are encouraged but often not guided about staying within the parameters that define a professional and therapeutic relationship between the nurses and the patient/family. Examining the impact of unclear boundaries on the patient/family relationship and the nurse's ability to serve as an advocate provides the basis for suggested constructive strategies for addressing the related issues.