Gift for a pt

[mountainjc]

giving a gift to a patient is unprofessional I understand. But what if you are trying to let them know that people do care about them? I have a patient that has been there for a month and will be for at least two more weeks and they said no one visited them in the hospital for the holidays. They are very down on their luck right now and I can see them wanting to give up the fight. Then I had the idea of getting them a little something. What are your thoughts? Is an exception possible?

[DTWriter]

Assuming that you, OP, live in the states -

This country is full of effing sue-happy/vindictive/jealous people.

Even if another nurse was able to give a gift to a patient without repercussions, it does not mean the same will happen to you - not matter how "safe" you feel at your current workplace.

[LetLoveNReasonUnite]

Hi OP. Maybe you could discuss your concerns with your nurse manager to get her take on the gift idea and explain the reason why. It does not sound like you are doing it to manipulate or hold power over the patient... but out of compassion. It might not hurt to have a face to face conversation and then follow it up with an email just to cover your bases. I do not like the formality of it but that's the world we live in right now. You are wonderful for being so thoughtful. :)

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

If a patient really needs something, I've usually got an extra one hanging around, and it's not a gift, just passing a used item along....if you get what I mean. I try to minimize the gesture.