Emotional boundaries are a key differentiator between the Rescuer and the Coach, archetypes described in the popular models, “The Drama Triangle” and “The Empowerment Dynamic.”

Rescuing is a dysfunctional form of helping and it’s rampant in the helping professions. As nurses, as leaders and change makers, it’s important that we recognize our own “rescuer” tendencies and seek to flip that script.

Stepping into responsibility doesn’t mean we accept blame for relationship dysfunction. It just means we’re willing to own our contribution and make a move to do something about it.