I'm sure we've all had the internal online training on professional boundaries?
But have you ever been told that it doesn't just apply to your service users?
It also applies to your colleagues!
How does it apply to your colleagues?
Let me explain:
If you have a strong work ethic and take on responsibilities out of your paid role, such as performing managerial duties or key worker duties then this would be classed as a breach of professional boundaries?
Just because you can do a task, it doesn't mean you should. So be careful when if your line manager delegates something to you, it could be held against you further down the line.
Never take on delegated tasks without a paper trail, that way it justifies why you have done such an action/task, never act on a verbal communication.
Don't be afraid to say "No problem, but can you ask me via email" Some managers delegate tasks that they shouldn't and won't want a paper trail of them offloading tasks. If its ok for them to do, a paper trail won't be an issue.
You can always say no and remind them of the professional boundaries policy, never say no, just asked for an email to request your help.
I've learnt the hard way, your hard work and capabilities can come back to bite you for "not following policies".
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It's also in place to stop you getting burn out, it's ok to do your contracted hours and hand over tasks to staff taking over. This is what the handovers for, no one will think less of you for leaving with a task part finished. It's a team effort, so work as one.
Working in care and going above and beyond, can be a breach of their professional boundaries policy. So I urge you to always double check and don't put in additional effort if it can go against you when they want it to.
It's a good idea to have in black and white your duties within your role.
Sometimes they do have a caveat such as "You may be required to carry out additional duties outside of your role".
Ensure these requests are in writing, don't carry them out without it.
As a support worker, you also need to be mindful to rotate your time between service users, if your working in a place with more than one resident.
However your management SHOULD assign staff to residents on a rotational basis, this stops residents relying on one person to support them.
Remember it takes a village to support someone, not just one person, Team work really does feed the roots of the tree of life.
Have you ever gone above and beyond then told you're breaching professional boundaries?
If so, We want to hear your stories.
Comment below. (Keep it confidential though, no names)
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