Accepting this gift from a patient

[nursingpower]

I had a patient that was insistent on getting my information upon leaving the ICU. He wanted my home address. I gave him the hospital card with my name on it. It had our hospital phone number. I told this patient before I transferred him to a SDU that this is a team effort. From the Drs that did the surgery down to Enviornmental service that kept his room clean. He insisted that I was the main person who made the most impact on his stay in the ICU. Him and his family personally requested that I be their nurse on all days that I worked when during his short stay in the ICU (only 2 or 3 days).

He actually was almost in tears thanking me for everything I did when I left him after taking him to the SDU. I told him the best way to show his appreciation was to fill out the customer satisfaction form that would be sent to his home and rate the care he received from our HOSPITAL.

A few days ago, I receive a very thoughtful card and a check. It's not a huge amount but regardless I was just doing my job! I treat him like I treat all patients I have ever had in the ICU. They are not some poor family on medicare, medicaid etc. I have asked several people. We also have a policy on receiving gifts but physicians and nurses receive gifts from patients on a daily basis although not monetary. But many of the baskets (flowers, fruit), gift cards, food (pizza ordered) etc received by nurses or our unit is way more than the check I received.

The patient didn't offer this in person in which of course I would have declined. It was mailed. I don't want to insult the family by declining their gift but then I feel a certain way about accepting it. Either way I want to write the family back to show my appreciation and to wish them well in his recovery.

My options are to:

1. mail the check back

2. rip up the check (in which they may be counting on to clear their account)

3. keep the check

a. keep for self (maybe buy some much needed white uniforms pants and shirts)

b. buy something for my unit (snacks/basket/food, pens, notepads, penlights or something useful for us to use).

I'm really not looking for some lecture. Just tell me honestly what you would do. Thanks.

[JoanJuxtaposed]

On second thought, life is too short. If you buy coffee or pizza for the unit, everybody will say "that's nice." On the other hand, if you add a couple of zeroes to it and get yourself a one way ticket to Rio, you'll forever be a legend! just imagine what that would do for morale! You owe it to your co-workers! Now is not the time to be selfish.

:rotfl:

[kids]

I'd write a polite thanks (but no thanks) for the gesture note and hand it with the check to HR to return.

Even if you cash it & spend the money on the unit if it somehow gets ugly it's your name on the check.

[Conqueror+, BSN, RN]

Report it and hand it over to higher ups. Anything else is courting disaster.

[mamamerlee, LPN]

I agree that you should inform your manager - -check the hospital policy on it, as well.

But I don't think you should 'share' it by buying food for everyone. Instead, find out if there is something tangible you could purchase for the unit - a small nursing-oriented print for a bare wall, or something like that.

If the policy states that UNSOLICITED gifts under a certain dollar amt can be kept, enjoy it.

[Conqueror+, BSN, RN]

DO NOT under any circumstances cash that check and spend it on anything for anyone. Turn it in to your manager and let them handle it. How will you feel if he were re admitted and became demanding with you as if he "expected" special treatment ? Just let it go its not worth the stress.

[scoochy]

The administrator at the facility where I work sent all employees an official notice (with regard to this issue) that was attached to our paychecks. The only gift we can accept is a perishable item, i.e., food. Apparently, a grateful resident (who was allowed to keep her checkbook) gave a CNA a check, then turned around and stated the CNA forced her to give her money. The state Ombudsman for the elderly became involved; the CNA was fired for accepting the check and cashing it. Thankfully, the CNA did not face criminal charges of coercion.

[caliotter3]

The administrator at the facility where I work sent all employees an official notice (with regard to this issue) that was attached to our paychecks. The only gift we can accept is a perishable item, i.e., food. Apparently, a grateful resident (who was allowed to keep her checkbook) gave a CNA a check, then turned around and stated the CNA forced her to give her money. The state Ombudsman for the elderly became involved; the CNA was fired for accepting the check and cashing it. Thankfully, the CNA did not face criminal charges of coercion.

This is a good example of why it is unwise to accept or keep the check. Better to be sorry about turning the check in to management or returning it, than to have to worry about this in your future.

[greenfiremajick]

Send a TY letter back to them, explaining that you signed it over to your favorite charity and thank them profusely for giving it to you, then explain you're not allowed to take the gift, personally.

I had a patient that was insistent on getting my information upon leaving the ICU. He wanted my home address. I gave him the hospital card with my name on it. It had our hospital phone number. I told this patient before I transferred him to a SDU that this is a team effort. From the Drs that did the surgery down to Enviornmental service that kept his room clean. He insisted that I was the main person who made the most impact on his stay in the ICU. Him and his family personally requested that I be their nurse on all days that I worked when during his short stay in the ICU (only 2 or 3 days).

He actually was almost in tears thanking me for everything I did when I left him after taking him to the SDU. I told him the best way to show his appreciation was to fill out the customer satisfaction form that would be sent to his home and rate the care he received from our HOSPITAL.

A few days ago, I receive a very thoughtful card and a check. It's not a huge amount but regardless I was just doing my job! I treat him like I treat all patients I have ever had in the ICU. They are not some poor family on medicare, medicaid etc. I have asked several people. We also have a policy on receiving gifts but physicians and nurses receive gifts from patients on a daily basis although not monetary. But many of the baskets (flowers, fruit), gift cards, food (pizza ordered) etc received by nurses or our unit is way more than the check I received.

The patient didn't offer this in person in which of course I would have declined. It was mailed. I don't want to insult the family by declining their gift but then I feel a certain way about accepting it. Either way I want to write the family back to show my appreciation and to wish them well in his recovery.

My options are to:

1. mail the check back

2. rip up the check (in which they may be counting on to clear their account)

3. keep the check

a. keep for self (maybe buy some much needed white uniforms pants and shirts)

b. buy something for my unit (snacks/basket/food, pens, notepads, penlights or something useful for us to use).

I'm really not looking for some lecture. Just tell me honestly what you would do. Thanks.

[Redhead28]

Check your policy. Most state that we cannot except gifts with a value greater than 10.00. If it is a perishable i.e. food it can be accepted for the unit. Notify your manager at once and ask her to find out through HR what you should do officially.

[EmmyBee]

I agree with everyone else saying to return the check, and bring it to management's attention. Things can change in the blink of an eye.

At this very moment, I am witnessing one of my co-workers go through an investigation, for crossing the line. The family adored her, and she could do no wrong. Now all of a sudden, she can't go back on the case...or any other case, for that matter, until the issue gets resolved.

If something comes up, for whatever reason, the only thing concrete or factual, will be a check that you cashed. And it will be the patient's word against yours. Like someone mentioned, what if you have this patient again? Will he expect something in return? What if he gets upset and decides to say you stole it? Or that you asked him for money?

It's a shame to have to think like this, but unfortunately, bad things happen. I have seen too many times, where someone does something that you never thought they would do.

I wouldn't take the chance of keeping it. I understand not wanting to hurt his feelings. But it's not worth getting in trouble over.

[dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I]

Every hospital has different policies about donations and the appearance of solicitations. Where I recently worked, when some people offered to donate sick time for my surgical leave, my manager claimed I had solicited this and tried to fire me. I actually discouraged donations, too much male pride.

Soliciting is strictly forbidden there. Except for the United Way. And the volunteers book sales. And the scrub sales. And the women's accessories sale. And the education departments raffle. There are more, and I only wish I were making it up.

Anyway, my message is tell your manager because employers will do whatever they want including destroying your life if they feel like it.

[RNforLongTime]

I tell families that the best thing they can do to praise my efforts is to write a letter to administration about me. That means more to me than a check or food. I work night shift so by the time I come into work the cookie tray or fruit basket a family sent in is just about gone!

I would definitely speak to HR about this situation. Good luck and congrats on leaving a lasting impression on this family!!