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Ethical Scenario 2
You are a student nurse on the elderly care ward, and one of your long-term patients (Mr Thomas) is due to be discharged later today. Mr Thomas is very appreciative for the care you have provided him over the last one month, and as a token of his appreciation, he has given you an envelope with £500.
Explain your actions in this scenario? How would your actions differ if Mr Thomas advised you that he also gave each of the other doctors and nursing staff on the ward £500?
Average Candidate Response
- I would not accept the gift as it is a very large sum of money.
- I would accept the money, as I have cared for the patient for one month, and the patient may be offended if I decline the gift.
- The actions of others would not influence my judgement in this case.
Excellent Candidate Response
I understand that as a student nurse, accepting gifts which are proportionate to the care given is acceptable. In this case, I believe that £500 is a substantial amount, and whilst I may have contributed positively to Mr Thomas’ care over one month, accepting this money, could be regarded as an abuse of patient goodwill as well as being disproportionate to the assistance provided.
It would be important to decline the gift in a polite manner, appreciating the kind thought whilst at the same time explaining that it has been my pleasure and duty to care for Mr Thomas, and that such a gift is not necessary.
Additionally, I would not let the actions of my colleagues affect my personal response, however I would discuss the matter further with colleagues explaining the potential long term consequences of accepting such a gift, as well as their obligation to formally record this gift, given that it is over £100.
I understand that as a student nurse, accepting gifts which are proportionate to the care given is acceptable. In this case, I believe that £500 is a substantial amount, and whilst I may have contributed positively to Mr Thomas’ care over one month, accepting this money, could be regarded as an abuse of patient goodwill as well as being disproportionate to the assistance provided.
It would be important to decline the gift in a polite manner, appreciating the kind thought whilst at the same time explaining that it has been my pleasure and duty to care for Mr Thomas, and that such a gift is not necessary.
Additionally, I would not let the actions of my colleagues affect my personal response, however I would discuss the matter further with colleagues explaining the potential long term consequences of accepting such a gift, as well as their obligation to formally record this gift, given that it is over £100.