I got gifts from patient's family

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I was so surprised yesterday when Mom gave me Christmas gifts when I was ready to leave for the day. She said they are just "little gifts" to show her appreciation!!!! :yeah: I guess that means I must have done something right.

I know that nurses are not suppose to "accept gifts.":lol2: I will open my gifts tonight. Hopefully, it will not be a lump of coal.

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OK. When you find that necklace from Cartier just send it my way and we'll forget the family overstepped their boundaries!

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Specializes in Home Health, PDN, LTC, subacute.

I think small gifts are fine. Clients usually give the nurses something.

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I also received a gift today that caught me offguard after being with the family for only 3 months. I tried to refuse it and they insisted I take it. I know its unethical to do so but its also impolite to refuse more than once. I guess in the PDN world we have some different benefits. I'm an independant contractor so I think the family recognizes my losses with no health benefits, vacation, paid time off, etc. I'm there 40 hrs per week, taking care of 54 yr old mom so I'm kind of a permanent fixture. LOL

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PDN and home health really are a completely different world, it's been so drilled into us to never accept gifts. Clients and caregivers spend a lot of 1 on 1 time and usually get to know each other very well.

Fot the clientèle my agency services their caregivers are the closest thing they have to family. We have a policy of no cash gifts ever, for any reason, no single gift can be valued at more than $10 and there is a $50 limit per year.

I've had a busy couple of weeks wrapping up year end visits, my family has been gifted with so many goodies that I could open my own bakery.

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OK. When you find that necklace from Cartier just send it my way and we'll forget the family overstepped their boundaries!

LOL!!!!!:yeah::lol2:

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I was so surprised yesterday when Mom gave me Christmas gifts when I was ready to leave for the day. She said they are just "little gifts" to show her appreciation!!!! :yeah: I guess that means I must have done something right.

I know that nurses are not suppose to "accept gifts.":lol2: I will open my gifts tonight. Hopefully, it will not be a lump of coal.

I agree with everyone else, small gifts are ok. And like you said she is showing her appreciation for your hard and wonderful work. Enjoy your gift.

aye125RN

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

My employer has guidelines for accepting gifts. Check your company policy.

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My employer policy says small gifts are OK as long as they are taken to the agency office and shared with all of the other employees.:mad: The agency is 50 miles from my house. I really don't think they expect me to drive 50 miles. They should realize that with the low wages they offer me that small gifts are necessary in order for me to make ends meet.

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.
My employer policy says small gifts are OK as long as they are taken to the agency office and shared with all of the other employees.:mad: The agency is 50 miles from my house. I really don't think they expect me to drive 50 miles. They should realize that with the low wages they offer me that small gifts are necessary in order for me to make ends meet.

That's a nutty policy. I know some families would be highly upset if my agency had such a policy.

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