Is it unethical to pay another nurse to take your on-call shift?

Editorial Team / Admin · Mar 12, 2015

I'm not in AZ, but we've had our share of people who offered money, gift cards, or bottles of wine in exchange for covering call. I don't view it as unethical; rather, it can be viewed as either an incentive or as a thank you gift. There is absolutely no harm to patients, unless the person covering your call isn't competent to cover the types of cases you get called in for (such as someone who doesn't work in a specialty covering call for that particular specialty without adequate training).

elkpark · Mar 12, 2015

Is this acceptable to your employer? That would be the only concern I can see ...

caliotter3 · Mar 13, 2015

As long as the employer is ok with it, see no problem. If nothing is said about the exchange of money, even less to be concerned about.

CecileSF · Mar 13, 2015

I don't see an issue with it if the nurse is a friend or a good work buddy, it's more of a personal thanks. The only issue I see with it is if someone else wanted the shift and it got given to a specific person you picked. If no one else wanted it and they got the shift fairly, it should be fine. Giving a thank you gift is okay.

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 13, 2015

You may want to consider whether it would be considered payment for work and have tax consequences for both you and the nurse. (i.e. You are "hiring her" to work that shift for you. That makes you her employer -- or co-employer.)

I doubt the IRS would come after you for a little thank-you gift, but if this happens often and significant money is involved, I would investigate the tax implications and your obligations as an employer before doing it.

theRNJedi · Mar 14, 2015

this is not unethical; nor is it illegal. In fact, this is common and done everywhere.

-theRNJedi

Atl-Murse · Mar 14, 2015

You may want to consider whether it would be considered payment for work and have tax consequences for both you and the nurse. (i.e. You are "hiring her" to work that shift for you. That makes you her employer -- or co-employer.)
I doubt the IRS would come after you for a little thank-you gift, but if this happens often and significant money is involved, I would investigate the tax implications and your obligations as an employer before doing it.

IRS/tax implications/employer !!!!! Not unless you are giving away thousands of dollars, in that case can I pick up a shift ?

ChellyFutureNP · Mar 14, 2015

As long as u notify ur employer, then should be okay. Otherwise, I can't imagine doing that without telling my manager.