"Protecting both ourselves and their boundaries, preparing them for the outside world": Exploring psychiatric nurses' experiences regarding professional boundaries.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore psychiatric nurses' experiences related to professional boundaries in Türkiye. METHODS: This study employed a descriptive qualitative design. Data were collected through four online focus group interviews conducted between March and June 2024, involving a total of 23 psychiatric nurses. Each focus group comprised five to six participants, and the interviews lasted approximately 1.5 h. Data saturation was achieved after the third focus group interview, as no new themes emerged; however, a fourth focus group was conducted to confirm saturation. The data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. RESULTS: Content analysis of the focus group interviews with psychiatric nurses identified four main themes related to professional boundaries: (1) the meaning of boundaries, (2) requirements for establishing professional boundaries, (3) factors influencing the determination and establishment of professional boundaries, (4) requirements for the sustainability of professional boundaries. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that effective team collaboration and open communication regarding professional boundaries are fundamental to psychiatric nursing practice, particularly within the context of institutional policies and service regulations. Professional boundaries were perceived as essential not only for ensuring therapeutic relationships but also for supporting patients' adaptation and social functioning beyond the clinical setting. Developing nurses' competencies in establishing flexible, patient-centered boundaries while maintaining consistency in therapeutic interactions may strengthen the quality and effectiveness of psychiatric care.