Maya Kowalski, daughter of Registered Nurse Beata Kowalski, was 9 years old in 2015 and suffering debilitating pain. She was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (“CRPS”), resulting in symptoms such as stiffness, spasms, and limited mobility. Her mother was able to find a doctor who was able to properly diagnose her, and he prescribed ketamine treatments to block the pain receptors in Maya’s body, allowing her body to revise the sensitization process. In October 2016, Maya had a … [Read more...]
Know Your Professional Boundaries
When I was practicing years ago, there were no rules regarding professional boundaries. I took care of people in the community where I lived and everyone knew each other. When I would run into them at the grocery store or the mall, I would always say “hi!” Some of my colleagues even went to former patient’s houses for meals or holidays. Nowadays there are rules regarding professional boundaries. As much as we would like rebel against these rules, they really are designed to protect … [Read more...]
When Helping Can Hurt You
As nurses, while we really want to help our patients, we sometimes find that our being helpful can get us into trouble. As you know, we are required to follow tons of rules. We have to watch our professional boundaries to make sure we are not overstepping. For example, if you work at an assisted living facility where one of your patients needs help getting groceries and you agree to get the items for the patient. This is crossing the line. You are there to provide nursing care and not … [Read more...]
