Christmas ethics?

Specialties Private Duty

Published

I know it is unethical to receive gifts from clients or their families but is it acceptable for us to give them Christmas gifts?

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Depends on agency policy. One job it's an absolute no and an ethics violation as it can be considered bribing a patient to stay with the agency as we are agency employees. They had a token gift (handmade card, less than $5 value) but it was abused. Cards are permitted to be accepted both ways. But kudos to the management team is always appreciated.

Gift cards are considered cash and not allowed in any of my jobs.

My second agency permits exchange of token gifts with value less than $15 throughout the year (so birthday, Christmas/Hanukkah, whatever). Mementos are suggested (helping the child make a handprint or footprint for the parent)'or decorating a frame. (I bring the supplies and my one patient makes thumb print & handprint art. The mother loves it and saves them all in a book. I found a binder/album for less than $2 and a pack of archival sleeves to place the projects. My supervisor suggests the book sales as a book is low cost and can often find a special one to give as a gift.

I only do what I find will not come back to bite me in the butt in and of itself. Of course, I don't go out of my way to tell my supervisors that I buy a token here or there for my patient's benefit or that the patient's mom made me a sandwich along with the rest of the family and I found it impossible to decline. You can only say no so many times when it becomes apparent that the other party is not listening.

Specializes in Peds(PICU, NICU float), PDN, ICU.

I have given in certain situations. I consider it a donation and I don't do it on the clock. As I'm packing up my bag, I can give the item. I don't make enough to give anything fancy. So its really just a small gift that may make a huge difference for someone.

Being that I'm done having children I often ask families I work for if they are interested in hand me downs. In very specific circumstances I buy small trinkets and treats for the kids I regularly work with. I love kids, and I love seeing them smile. I'm pretty damn sure my bosses won't write me up for being nice. Never jeopardize my job or clients and have no negative feedback from any clients. Ever.

Specializes in Pediatric Private Duty; Camp Nursing.
Being that I'm done having children I often ask families I work for if they are interested in hand me downs. In very specific circumstances I buy small trinkets and treats for the kids I regularly work with. I love kids, and I love seeing them smile. I'm pretty damn sure my bosses won't write me up for being nice. Never jeopardize my job or clients and have no negative feedback from any clients. Ever.

I do the same thing w my girls' outgrown clothes. I used to work for a family taking care of a little 2 year old w a trach. She had a 4 year old sister. I would come to their home with a trash bag full of clothes twice a year, after I'd cleaned out my girls' closets. After learning more about Goodwill's business practices and not agreeing with them, I was grateful there was someone I knew with TWO girls who would use the clothes. I don't feel like I did them a favor, I feel like they did ME a favor for taking them off my hands! I don't work for them any more (she was decannulated) but I still give my girls' clothes to the family.

Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

I've received a number of handmade items like a Christmas tree pin made out of simple wire and some green beads attached with a safety pin. I would never refuse something like that. So far I have thankfully not encountered people who go overboard (nurses or families) with expensive gifts. Though I know some of my fellow PDN members here have. I would not get or give anything with a monetary value over 5 dollars most likely.

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