Accepting fincial gifts?!?

Re: Accepting fincial gifts?!?

Ilovehorses — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 18:23:38 GMT

I get alot of presents from my hydrotherapy clients, most of which I now consider to be friends. I've been given money in the past and have always immediately told my bosses and they've always said that the money is mine to keep. I also have to let them know of any gifts I get that arn't just chocolates or wine xx

Re: Accepting fincial gifts?!?

Alison Clare Hickman — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 13:28:55 GMT

You are not a drip... You are a lovely kind and caring person who has been rewarded for being just that. Big up to ya!

Re: Accepting fincial gifts?!?

funkyfish — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 22:46:18 GMT

Thanks, you will be giving me a big head! lol

Will speak to the boss tomorrow and see what she says. Its so hard! I bet plenty of people would just say thanks and use it as they please- not that that is wrong. I'm such a drip! lol

Thank you every one for your advice, I will have a good think.

Re: Accepting fincial gifts?!?

Louise B — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 22:36:18 GMT

[quote user="funkyfish"]

Thanks guys, always get good advice from here!!

I will see what the boss says tomorrow- have checked the hand book- doesn't say anything about gifts.

It is a bit more than a tenner.. would have bought treats for us guys at work with it if it was. The clients are very intense, but have known them for many years. It was a thank you for a 4am, 2hr PTS on their cat a few months ago.

If she says keep it, I will donate it to a cat charity- or buy some toys for the animals in the local rehoming centre etc. If she says spend it on something for the practice, thats fine to. Or could have a nurses night out on it! A mega nice thank you card is in order any way.

Its not like I couldn't do with the money (like everyone else!), I just would feel really weird keeping it for me.

[/quote]

Don't feel weird. Feel proud that you did your job so well that the client wanted to personally reward you in this way. I would keep the money and do what you want with it - including donating to a charity if you want but I wouldn't feel obliged. The client gave you the money - if she wanted to donate to a charity to keep her pet's memory alive she could have done so. The point is that she wanted to reward you and this may even be a necessary part of the client's bereavement healing process to do so. You must be a lovely, caring and compassionate nurse and those qualities shone through at a time when a person and their animal most needed it to do so. Don't let acknowledging that get lost in these discussions.

Re: Accepting fincial gifts?!?

funkyfish — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 22:22:29 GMT

Thanks guys, always get good advice from here!!

I will see what the boss says tomorrow- have checked the hand book- doesn't say anything about gifts.

Its not like I couldn't do with the money (like everyone else!), I just would feel really weird keeping it for me.

Re: Accepting fincial gifts?!?

Alison Clare Hickman — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 21:51:17 GMT

I know what you mean, so...how about buying a big big box of choc's for the practice (you can dive in first) and then donate the rest to your chosen charity? Best of both worlds and none of the guilt/odd feelings plus chocolate (which you say you'd've readily accepted?!).

Ali x

Re: Accepting fincial gifts?!?

Ceri Boyd — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 21:27:42 GMT

Happened to me once, I politely asked the client if they would mind donating it to our stray fund instead and they were happy with that. Would feel weird accepting it!

Re: Accepting fincial gifts?!?

Tracy Windler RVN — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:37:24 GMT

I have had a few "Thank you" gifts, usually £10/£20 etc. Sometimes I have put it into a nurses fund for the Christmas Do, or buying biscuits etc. Once I kept it, as it was particularly for driving around a lady's dog /dropping off meds/wormers etc, as she couldn't walk far. I felt a bit weird about it, but spoke to my boss and she said I could do what I wanted with it. If it makes you feel better, then give it to charity, but they gave it to you in good faith and postmen, milkmen, even paper boys (and women/girls!) get tips!!!

Re: Accepting fincial gifts?!?

Sal the 1st — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:20:25 GMT

When this has happened to me (3 times in nearly 30 years so it doesnt happen that often!) it has usually been a client I know quite well and I have explained that I am very grateful for their gift but would they mind if I donated it to my favourite animal charity and they have been fine with that. I dont think there is anything to stop you accepting monetary gifts but for me personally it doesnt really sit right. Hope that helps

Re: Accepting fincial gifts?!?

Steph Worsley — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 18:28:27 GMT

it's a hard one, we have to give gifts of money to the hospital funds but that is our hospital policy, these funds will usually go towards new equipment etc

Re: Accepting fincial gifts?!?

funkyfish — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:34:27 GMT

and sorry for the spelling...