I have a problem with establishing boundaries.

I’m a private person. That’s very often misinterpreted as being arrogant and feeling superior to others. I’m not, I just wish to be left alone, but people still feel disrespected and it’s tiring to be constantly explaining yourself. And I don’t understand why I have to explain myself constantly.

This very emotional and thankful patient wanted a picture with me and I stupidly agreed. He also wanted my phone number (I gave him a false one) to invite me to have lunch, as he celebrated his 70th birthday. I don’t believe it was sexual or romantic, because he is married, his wife was there when he extended the invitation and took the picture and he also wanted to invite the whole unit.

I acted like this because it was the easiest way to get him to leave the hospital and free the room but also because I didn’t want to cause a scene.

What could I do next time?

  • FuglyDuck@lemmy.worldEnglish
    61·
    4 months ago

    “ I appreciate the invitation but I have a policy to not meet patients outside of work or take photos with patients.”

    (And, probably, so does the hospital, at least for the meeting people outside work,)

    If they need more, a “it makes me feel uncomfortable.” And walk away before they make it weird.

    Whatever you do, don’t blame policies at the hospital because other staff probably are okay with it, and/or they’ll bitch at management who will respond with a “that’s not true….” Or something.

    Once you’re outed it’s just gonna get weirder.

      • FuglyDuck@lemmy.worldEnglish
        6·
        4 months ago

        If there really is a policy about it, then that’s all that needs to be said, of course.

        I sort of imagine there is a policy about dating/romantic/otherwise intimate relationships with patients, but also imagine that as described there’s no specific policy, if that makes sense.