I Think I Like A Patient…

Dear Nurse J,

I had a patient around my age during placement and we really clicked. He was flirting with me and honestly I was interested too. Now he’s been discharged and I keep wondering if it would be wrong to message him or add him on social media.

— Confused

Nurse J says…

Short answer: don’t do it.

Even if it felt mutual, there’s still a professional boundary issue. Patients are in a vulnerable position, and healthcare relationships carry a power imbalance whether you intend it or not.

Also — imagine how uncomfortable it would become if:

• he complained

• staff found out

• future employers found out

• the patient later felt differently.

A temporary emotional connection during care is not the same as a normal dating situation.

You’re not a bad person for feeling attracted to someone. Nurses are human. But professionalism matters more than chemistry in these situations.

Sometimes the most professional thing you can do is walk away from something tempting.

— Nurse J