There is a discussion in Medscape Nursing about this.
http://medscapenursing.blogs.com/medscape_nursing/2008/05/should-nurses-a.html
Here are some of the nurses' opinions:
When offered a gift for services rendered, I have said that I'm adequately compensated, and don't need more calories.
Why not? How many physicians are out there accepting tokens from pharmaceutical companies?
These small gifts do more than just boost morale in a very demanding and at times thankless job.
When patients give gifts to their care givers, it can symbolize a shift in the relationship from professional/objective/therapeutic to more social and subjective and create a conflict of interest.
When a patient give a small gift to the nurses he is giving part of himself. To refuse would be the ultimate insult.
It is not an acceptable practice to accept gifts on an individual basis. We inform them (patients) that it is a team effort...
I don't feel that it is a bribe and I don't think that the families see it that way either. Often this is only way that they know how to say thank you.
I worked with a nurse who was disciplined for accepting gifts... when reps from companies come in they bring cookies, pens and provide lunch...are we now to say no to this as well?
When family members ask what they can do... we direct them to our charity department.
My previous employer had all employees sign a form stating they would not accept gifts of any kind from a patient or the patient's family.
To me these small gifts are more valuable than gold. I cherish every one of them.
I work with surgeons that accept expense gifts. Why shouldn't nurses?
I cannot think of anything more rude and insulting to refuse a gesture of kindness and appreciation from a patient who just wants to say a simple thankyou.