MAINTAINING PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES AND UPHOLDING ETHICS IN NURSING: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Author Name: 1. Bhumika Singh, 2. Dr. Jeba T, 3. Tarun Mudgal, 4. Sujata Govindrao Gaikwad, 5. Atika Sharma

Volume/Issue: 06/02

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/07.2025-36368443/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Teaching Faculty, College of Nursing, SGPGIMS, Lucknow, UP, India.
2. Principal, Sri Balaji College of Nursing, Cheranmahadevi. India.
3. Assistant Professor, NIMS Nursing College, NIMS University Rajasthan, Jaipur India.
4. Lecturer, MGM Mother Teresa College of Nursing Aurangabad India.
5. Assistant Professor, Imperial College of Nursing, Jaipur India.

ABSTRACT

Nursing is a profession grounded in ethical principles and centered on the therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the patient. This relationship is built upon trust, respect, and a shared commitment to the well-being of those in care. Maintaining professional boundaries and adhering to ethical standards are critical responsibilities that safeguard the integrity of this relationship and promote patient safety. However, in the evolving landscape of healthcare-characterized by increased emotional demands, technological advancements, and complex patient needs-nurses often face ethical dilemmas and challenges in preserving appropriate professional boundaries. This review critically examines the significance of maintaining professional boundaries and upholding ethics in nursing practice. It explores the foundational ethical principles that guide nursing conduct, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, and analyzes how these principles intersect with boundary-setting in various clinical scenarios. The review also discusses common boundary violations-such as dual relationships, favoritism, emotional over-involvement, and digital boundary breaches-and their consequences for both patients and nurses. Legal frameworks, codes of conduct from professional nursing organizations, and institutional policies are evaluated to highlight their role in regulating ethical nursing practice. The article emphasizes the importance of ethical education and leadership in fostering a culture of accountability and ethical awareness. The integration of ethics training in nursing education, the influence of organizational culture, and the emerging challenges of social media use in nursing are addressed as critical elements in ensuring ethical competency. Strategies for maintaining boundaries-such as self-reflection, effective communication, and institutional support-are presented as practical tools for everyday nursing practice.

Key words: Professional Boundaries, Nursing Ethics, Code of Conduct, Boundary Violations.