Is tipping ever allowed? My stepfather wants to tip money to two of the workers (not sure which discipline) at the SNF/rehab place he's at.
My mom wasn't sure it was allowed so she stopped at the DON's office to ask. The person she asked was not the DON and also on the phone. This person said "yes, it's allowed." I told my mom, "NO it's never allowed. She must have misunderstood what you were asking."
Am I correct? I told her a card or food treats are more appropiate.
From my perspective, I make a good wage and I don't need tips plus words can't be bought. Written acknowledgement is huge for me. I can buy my own Starbucks but positive words impact my day and lift my spirits.
Now for the general staff, buying lunch AND dinner is probably very appreciated. Letting them know advance to expect the meal even better.
Why doesn't Dad write a great letter about the workers to the DON (or whomever) and buy the floor some pizza?
Simply writing that letter without any food gift is still very much appreciated! Not only has the patient given the worker a big boost, he has helped the worker get a great annual review.
I agree tipping is not aporopriate while food and thank you card for all staff more appropriate. That said I've had a few cases where I got gifts with monetary value less than $5 and there wasnt a problem with this from my employer. The first example was a woman making rings out of $2 bills. I still have this in my jewelry box three years later. Another patient would hand 4 half dollar coins to anyone who entered his room. I was a PCT at the time and answered his call light when his assigned PCT was busy. I tried to refuse but he became very upset so I spoke to his RN who said that he'd been passing out coins to all staff and wouldn't take no from anyone. I kept those coins as well since not one normally found in pocket change. Once I got a card with $15 Dunkin Donuts gift card enclosed as well as words of thanks from a pt family, I know others in my department also got them. I ended up bringing a box of coffee and a couple dozen donuts to work with me one night since I could not refuse/return the gift.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
I personally don't believe tipping is appropriate - after all we want to be seen as the professionals our education and training indicate we are. Still I have a dilemma early in my nursing career as an L&D nurse. I participated in a precipitous delivery where the doctor did not arrive until after the birth. The family was from a culture where babies of a certain sex were highly prized and shortly after everyone was cleaned up and the mother nursing the husband walked up to the nurses station and handed me an envelope. It was quite thick and when I opened it it had a thousand dollars in cash in it. I thought about accepting it for a moment but went down to the room and took the man aside. I did not want to embarrass him in front of his family so when we stepped out of the room I handed him back the envelope and said I could accept it. The next day every nurse on the unit received a dozen roses.
Simply writing that letter without any food gift is still very much appreciated! Not only has the patient given the worker a big boost, he has helped the worker get a great annual review.
Yup! OP, if your step dad wants to make sure those particular workers are getting credit for a good job, he should write a letter to management about how great those particular staff members are.
enuf_already
789 Posts
Yes...but I have the time (wink wink).