So, the other day, I had a family member who gave me a card as a thank you from the patient, as a sign of appreciation, especially since they knew it would likely be my last time working with her. They left it with me before I could refuse to accept it. Later, I realized that I probably shouldn't have accepted it.
But I can't help by wondering why is nursing the only profession that is not allowed to accept gifts? When you look at teachers, for example, they are flooded with gifts around the holidays and end of the year, and no one says this is unethical. There are many other professions where no one says a word when a gift is given.
I understand that receiving gifts could possibly release protected patient information if the gift receiver is not discreet or cause resentment among coworkers. I also know that we are already being paid to perform a service for them. At the same time, though, teachers are also being paid, but no one objects to them receiving fits. My thought is, if it's the last time working with a patient, and the gift receiver does not identify who gave them the gift, why is this an issue?
When I was new nurse, I had to deal with the most difficult elderly patient for a whole week. Just before discharge she surprised me by giving me a $50 dollar bill and an apology for her rude behavior. My charge nurse told me to give it back but I did not. I earned it.
Really?? LOL, before I was a nurse I worked as a "counter jockey".
Cops would often come in the store, get their coffee, smile as they
were walking out the door and just kinda show us the cup of coffee,
"Hey I'm a cop, I got my free coffee, OK?"
Personally I love and appreciate police and never had an ounce of
problem with giving them free coffee.
Sure, that happens, but it is typically a violation of explicit department policy and they can get in trouble if it comes to the attention of their superiors.
First, you were given a card, I do not see it as a gift. Second, as a teacher of many years I can tell that I do receive gifts from my students on holidays. However, there are strict protocols in the Chancellor's regulations that state exactly what teachers can and cannot receive as gifts. For example, (if I recall correctly), teachers may accept gifts of up to $25 value. In all honestly, in all the time I worked as a teacher, my students have gifted me with boxes of chocolates and a few pair of Old Navy scarves.
What I am saying is, check into your hospital's protocols for accepting gifts. But like I said, a simple Thank You card is hardly a gift you should be worried about.
Sure, that happens, but it is typically a violation of explicit department policy and they can get in trouble if it comes to the attention of their superiors.
It seems pretty ridiculous to say you cannot accept a card from a patient or family. How in any way is that a "gift"? I think many people would be offended and embarrassed if a nurse refuse to accept a simple card.
I do private duty and I always accept/give gifts. Technically we're not supposed to per agency rules, but nobody (myself included) actually follows that rule, and it's not like anyone goes out of their way to tell the agency. If I want to get a little something for a patient's birthday, I usually ask the parents first if they are ok with it.
Really?? LOL, before I was a nurse I worked as a "counter jockey".
Cops would often come in the store, get their coffee, smile as they
were walking out the door and just kinda show us the cup of coffee,
"Hey I'm a cop, I got my free coffee, OK?"
Personally I love and appreciate police and never had an ounce of
problem with giving them free coffee.
Yeah my parents have a small dessert business and always gave/had staff give the police a free treat. It was to show appreciation for looking out for the staff and business.
RobotechTD
34 Posts
When I was new nurse, I had to deal with the most difficult elderly patient for a whole week. Just before discharge she surprised me by giving me a $50 dollar bill and an apology for her rude behavior. My charge nurse told me to give it back but I did not. I earned it.