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 by reviewing CLPNA’s Practice Guideline on Professional Boundaries and reviews the following concepts:

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