[degraypoole]

I'm a CNA, bottom of the nursing profession's "totem pole"! My last assignment was as a 24/7 live-in. My client died of natural causes 12/31/2007. Three months into the assigment my client and I got into a discussion regarding my career path. I told him I wanted to continue my nursing career and become an LVN, with a long term goal of having my own small residential group home here in Dallas, but alas I feared it would be cost prohibative coupled with the fact that I was 56. He told me to research the cost and school of choice. On a daily basis he woud ask me of the progress in the assignment. Out of respect, and because of my dream I conceded. I told him I had found a fast track school but it was very expensive. "How much" he asked? Embarassed at my audacity I advised it was a 17 month program at a cost of $18,500.00. "No problem" he replied, "consider it paid for and you WILL go". "You are very good at what you do, the best, and you will go far". I was in awe, full of self doubt. When he died he left provision for me to attend the Dallas Nursing Institute. In addition, I would like to add that I started out at $10.00p/h working through an agency. During my employment he bought out my contract paying the agency $5000.00 so that I could work for him privately and provide medical care. I couldn't do that working for a non-medical agnecy. My income was increased to $25.00 p/h = $600.00 p/d, and would have been almost 1/4 of a million for the year 2008, had he lived.

So to all the CNA's out there, realize that your dedication and giving your client your all and then some can lead to a "Silver Lining". I was so blessed.

I am in the throws of getting my GED, yes, my GED so that I can start my LVN program. God bless those clients who fully realize a good nurse when they have one.

[9janurse]

wow.....wow

[hajiagambo]

Good for you, you go girl!

[RN1121]

I feel that you should have graciously declined the offer.

Accepting these types of elaborate gifts from patients and patient's families is not ethical. Many places of employment do not allow their staff to accept those types of gifts.

Of course, we as heatlhcare professionals, get little gifts from time to time; some candy, maybe flowers, occasional fruit basket, as a token of their gratitude for good care provided. But accepting monetary gifts from clients is unethical to me, especially the amount of money he gave to you.

There are certain boundaries that shouldn't be crossed, and to me, this is one of them.

[degraypoole]

Under normal circumstances you are absolutely right, but I was a private employee, and the money will be paid directly to the school for the purpose of an education so that I may continue my work on a greater level than a CNA certification can afford me. I think only of the seniors that will benefit from this gift. That was the whole idea. Had he offered me this money as a cash gift I would never have accepted it not even as a private employee. Think of the lives his gift will impact.

[TrickieTam]

Considering the fact that she was now working privately for the resident it was okay for him to decide to give whatever he chose. I also worked privately for a very loving and caring woman whose family always gave us gifts due to them appreciating what we done for her. After she passed I was given high recommendation for another job and nursing school and I greatly appreciate them to this day. It takes only one person some point in our lives to give us the boost we need.

[CPD4RN]

This man with his last months on earth had the chance to change someone's life and he took it. She cared and nurtured him on his deathbed, when none of his family could/would. I don't think it's anyone's right to tell this woman she should have refused this gift. She isn't getting breast implants with the money, she is educating herself , just as HE intended.
Use your well earned scholarship to continue enriching the lives of the forgotten.

[kxvc]

Originally Posted by CPD4RN

This man with his last months on earth had the chance to change someone's life and he took it. She cared and nurtured him on his deathbed, when none of his family could/would. I don't think it's anyone's right to tell this woman she should have refused this gift. She isn't getting breast implants with the money, she is educating herself , just as HE intended.
Use your well earned scholarship to continue enriching the lives of the forgotten.

Couldn't have said it better my self! Best of wishes to you in all your endeavours!

[cardiacRN2006]

Originally Posted by CPD4RN

This man with his last months on earth had the chance to change someone's life and he took it. She cared and nurtured him on his deathbed, when none of his family could/would. I don't think it's anyone's right to tell this woman she should have refused this gift. She isn't getting breast implants with the money, she is educating herself , just as HE intended.
Use your well earned scholarship to continue enriching the lives of the forgotten.

At first, I agreed that you should have refused the money. But after reading this post, I agree that you should go. I'm sure it made him very happy to set this all up for you and brought him joy to know that he did a great deed right before he passed.


Good luck to you in school!

[love_being_an_aide]

Your compassion and dedication touched the life of another human being in his last days. I commend you on being a gracious and caring human being! You are the kind of person that nurses should really look too for guidance! Congrats, and I have NO DOUBT you will make a fabulous nurse!