Giving a small gift/candy/favor?

[Kitkat1212]

I have seen a few threads such as this one, but I am curious as to what you all think in the scope of giving a small gift or candy to a patient.

I realize that the appropriateness of this would HIGHLY depend on situation, (I can only imagine giving a newly diagnosed diabetic a candy bar, ha!). But consider a setting such as a lonely child or teenager whose parents are often absent or busy. Would it be inappropriate to spend some extra time with them, give them a small piece of candy or maybe a little token bracelet/stuffed animal?

I am not thinking of any specific situation, however I simply wonder about the legal and ethical issues of doing something like this in the future. I am merely a student, and I wish to discover answers early :)

I just remember spending time in the hospital and at doctors when I was young with medical issues, and sometimes the smallest gesture or kindness made my day. I remember one hospital that sent children home with handmade blankets made by a volunteer service (although that is a rather different realm/situation from what I am thinking of as a nurse...)

Thanks to anyone who might have input or answers!

[RN0323]

Ask your hospital what the policy is for that... Best to go off what they say than what we say!

It's a nice gesture!

[elkpark]

Since you mentioned you are a student, I would speak with your instructor and follow her/his guidance.

[Libby1987]

I've done it rarely.

I had a patient (home health) that lived alone and was undergoing chemo as well as my treatment, I brought him a cup of birthday cake ice cream when I would otherwise be seeing him on his bday.

Just recently i had to do an aide supervisory visit on Christmas Eve to a long term patient who also lived alone. I brought a small amount of Christmas candy (he likes chocolate).

But I otherwise don't make a habit of it, potentially it can cause a number of problems.

[Libby1987]

And surely never as a student. Like suggested above, good question for your instructor to discuss in class.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I strongly agree that you should talk with your instructor about this ... and later as an employee, follow the policies of your employer.

In the children's hospital where I work, such actions are strictly forbidden. For a nurse to set the child/family up to be disappointed by not getting favored treatment from the other staff is NOT in the best interest of the child/family. We need to support the child's attachment to the family -- and not drive a wedge between them by giving the child presents. Such things can also harm the relationship the child has with other staff members.

If a child is truly in need of attention, the hospital should have established procedures and resources to deal with that. There are ways we can help a family provide the attention the child needs and/or compensate for their problems that don't hurt the child's relationships with their family and/or other staff members. Use those established programs and resources and don't go off on your own and start giving them presents and candy.