Nurses Don't Accept Gifts

[roxannekkb]

I have a question to nursing students and those recently out of school. Are you still taught that nurses must never accept a gift from a patient? That doctrine was cemented into my head when I was student during the 80s, and into the heads of most of the nurses I worked with. When questioned, teachers would just say it was unethical.

In the years that I worked as a nurse, I accepted a number of gifts from patient families (I worked in the NICU). Many, because of their culture, would have been highly offended if I had refused it.

So my question is, if this philosophy is still taught? Is it still considered a cardinal sin (sorry, I went to a Catholic university) if nurses accept a gift from a patient or family?:kiss

[roxannekkb]

Thanks everyone, your responses are great. When I was in school, I continually asked teachers why accepting a gift was "unethical." None of them could give me a satisfactory answer, and even became angry when I pursued the subject. It just made no sense to me--if a patient or family, upon discharge, wanted to present a nurse with a token of thanks--just as a way of showing appreciation. I could not see the "ethics" involved. Finally, one of my teachers said that it "violated" what nurses stood for, ie, that we should not even consider material reward for our work. I guess hospitals would really love that, because then they wouldn't have to pay us.

Do any of you think that this idea stems from the old adage of selflessness? Like how nurses are supposed to feel guilty if they want to be paid what they're worth?

[Gomer]

Acceptance of gifts over $50 in value is grounds for termination at my hospital. Doesn't matter if you are a nurse, a PT, a food service worker or the gardner...the policy is written for all.

[SeptSue]

I still feel awkward talking about money, not sure when that developed - whether it was during nursing or perhaps earlier. Now I am getting better at discussing money and although there are things I would do voluntarily, by my own choice, I do expect to be paid appropriately for any work that I do (I'll decide whether I feel guilty) - it depends on the circumstances.

[Chaya, ASN, RN]

Where I work, accepting any form of monetary compensation is a big no-no. I have accepted cuttings from a flowering bush, also a hand-made decoration with my name on it ( the pt's wife made on for everyone involved with his care). Frequently, pts' families will leave food/ candy for all to share; we accept gratefully but might be leary if it is homemade or not sealed as many of the patients being visited are on precautions of one kind or another. However, the most meaningful way a patient can thank us is to write a letter of appreciation mentioning us by name; this goes into our personnel file and the staff member named is awarded a star to wear on their name badge.

[kimmicoobug]

We have been taught that we can not accept personal gifts, but can accept them on behalf of the nursing unit. On the flip side, I have also been taught to never offer a patient a gift, but I know of one particular nurse who does give certain patients that have touched her homemade baby outfits. Personally, I think it is touching that the nurse would care so much to do this.

[webbiedebbie]

I too, was taught that it was not proper for a nurse to receive anything from a patient. Hospital policy says no to gifts also.

I once worked in a hospital where one nurse was given a "gift", but the other nurses caring for the same patient did not receive anything. What a mess that was!