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Survey results: Boundaries and conflicts of interest


Nov 12, 2025

In Fall 2025, BCCNM surveyed licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs), nurse practitioners (NPs), midwives (RMs), and members of the public about proposed revisions to three BCCNM nursing practice standards: Boundaries in the Nurse-Client Relationship, Conflict of Interest, and Policy on Appropriate Client-Midwife Relationships. The registrant survey had 235 respondents, and the public survey had 18 respondents.

What we heard​​

Results showed that most respondents agreed that clear boundaries are essential for safe and ethical care. Respondents also highlighted challenges in navigating relationships with clients and their families and friends, especially in small or rural communities.

Public respondents also emphasized the importance of registrants always maintaining professional boundaries (including not seeking emotional support from clients) and highlighted the need for transparency around conflicts of interest.

What happens next​

The feedback received will help inform future updates to BCCNM standards and supporting resources. BCCNM will continue to seek input from consultations and ongoing policy work on these topics.

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We acknowledge the rights and title of the First Nations on whose collective unceded territories encompass the land base colonially known as British Columbia. We give specific thanks to the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking peoples the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations and the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh-ulh Sníchim speaking Peoples the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), on whose unceded territories BCCNM’s office is located. We also give thanks for the medicines of these territories and recognize that laws, governance, and health systems tied to these lands and waters have existed here for over 9000 years.

We also acknowledge the unique and distinct rights, including rights to health and wellness, of First Nations, Inuit​ and Métis peoples from elsewhere in Canada who now live in British Columbia. As leaders in the settler health system, we acknowledge our responsibilities to these rights under international, national, and provincial law.​