Money from a patient?

[jack4408]

I work in \

[TazziRN, RN]

Either return it to her with a thank you note but explain the policy, or give it to the facility....either the unit or the hospital fund on behalf of the parents.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

I am not a waitress and I don't take tips, thankyouverymuch, although it was a very nice gesture.

Return it to her with your sincere thanks and ask that she donate it to the NICU.

:)

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

At my workplace, our nurse manager required all of her employees to sign a statement that we have never accepted monetary gifts from any patient and never intend to in the future.

Accepting money from residents is absolutely forbidden at my facility because they are already paying for the services rendered through cash, insurance, Medicaid, etc.

[Roy Fokker, BSN, RN]

More than hospital policy - is it ethical? Personally?

I don't think it is ethical and I would return it to Mom. If she insists - I would ask her to donate it to the hospital fund. Or make a donation to the NICU unit of the hospital.

cheers,

[marymapn]

Through many years of nursing I have been faced with patients or family members who wish to offer a gift or money. All institutions and healthcare organizations have a policy against accepting gifts/money. I agree with the earlier postings that it is not ethical to accept a monetary gift. You are already being paid to do your job. Suggesting that the money be directed toward the NICU or the institution will help to satify the Mother's need to show gratitude in the care of her twins. I will say that when a gift is involved that can be shared by all of the staff, it's best to graciously accept it (i.e. box of candy or cookies). No institution is going to fault the staff as recepients of a heartfelt gift.

[bethin]

I would return the money with a note that said that you thank her for the gesture, but it's against hospital policy to accept any kind of gifts from pts or their families. Tell her, if she wishes, she can donate it to the NICU or donate to the March of Dimes.

[IamRN2345]

It's absolutely unethical. The money should have been returned immediately. I like the idea of suggesting a donation to the March of Dimes.

[SCRN1]

Each hospital where I've worked has forbidden employees from receiving such gifts from patients. However, we are told to let them know that they can make a contribution to the hospital instead. I find this unfair...the employee can't accept a gift from someone who appreciated care given by that employee BUT the hospital can.

[jack4408]

Each hospital where I've worked has forbidden employees from receiving such gifts from patients. However, we are told to let them know that they can make a contribution to the hospital instead. I find this unfair...the employee can't accept a gift from someone who appreciated care given by that employee BUT the hospital can.

Thank you

[ICRN2008, BSN, RN]

You could ask her to make a donation in your name to the charity of her choice. That way she is thanking you but is not giving the money directly to you.

[TazziRN, RN]

The thing about accepting a personal gift is that it benefits only you....if it's donated to the hospital or unit, it benefits other pts and staff as well.

I see nothing wrong with thanking her for it and then giving it to the unit in the twins' names. Keeps the mom from being hurt or embarrassed and it benefits other pts and staff. I've done that before, with my manager's blessing, and I even told the family I was doing that. It worked out fine.