Please someone help.

Nurses Activism

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So i have a question that i don't know the answer to ans I'm in need of some help. So a residents daughter knows i have been struggling a little lately and she wants to bring in clothes that don't fit her daughter any more for my daughter. Am i allowed to take them? I know if its a gift from a resident we are not allowed but its for my daughter and they're used clothing. Please help. I feel so bad saying no because she is so happy about bringing them to help me.

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

Your best bet would be to clear it with your administration. If they're ok with it, then you can accept the clothes with a clear conscience. If they say no, you can explain to the resident's daughter that you are not allowed to accept them. If you're worried that administration will frown on you letting professional boundaries be crossed, then you already have your answer.

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Specializes in as above.

wow! someone giving something to someone else is now a crime? Just do it! If the admin ***** about it, plead stupidity.Keep it on the quiet. so shhhhh! its not a drug deal.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

The problem isn't whether or not exchanging small gifts is a big deal or not with boundary crossing. I've accepted handmade Christmas gifts without checking with management, little felt pincushions and things like that.

In my recent specialty of private duty, boundary crossing can be about the worst you can imagine. It's not all harmless.

Dahill, I agree with TriciaJ. The fact you came here with your concern indicates you'd probably feel better getting the OK first. I'm sure you can let the resident's daughter know how much you appreciate her generous offer.

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For all prickly questions like this, just have whoever put the article, used bike, toy, or clothing in the trash isle, on the curb, whatever is common in your city and take a picture of it lieing there as scrap for anyone. Then pick it up. Anyone who asks, boo hoo, my daughter has to wear used dresses or whatever, so what? Make them feel bad if they push it. Its called "throwing the porcupine" back back to them."

A common sales techniques is when buyer asks a prickly question like "does the house have 4 bedrooms?" Knowing it does not, you ask them if they really need 4 bathrooms?

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

That situation is definitely outside the bounds of an appropriate professional relationship. Also, there is a danger that someone may accuse the OP of taking advantage of her position as caregiver to a vulnerable patient.

I would avoid this situation like the plague.

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I would also question why you would be confiding in a patient's family about financial difficulties.

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Specializes in ER.

Ask your administrator. If you feel uncomfortable asking the question...theres your answer.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

First of all why is this under a call to activism? This is a personal situation/decision involving a serious breach of professional boundaries. Lots of people are going through hard times but we should never be sharing the these kinds of details about our lives with our patients or their families. The most we are ever allowed to receive from families is some kind of food like cookies or snacks and then it has to be given to the group. There are all kinds of social organizations to help you out if you are in need!

Hppy

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