Is it appropriate for a nurse to solicit a donation of an IV pump from a patient?

• A. No, the nurse should not ask for a gift.
• B. Yes, if the patient expresses gratitude
• C. Yes, with administrator approval
• D. Only if the patient initiates the conversation

Answer: (A)

Maintaining professional boundaries with patients means avoiding any solicitation of gifts or equipment. A nurse asking a patient to donate an IV pump creates a power imbalance and can put the patient in an uncomfortable position, making them feel obligated to say yes in order to secure good care. It also poses risks of perceived or actual influence over care decisions and can violate hospital policies about accepting gifts or donations. If a patient wants to support the hospital, guide them to formal channels such as the hospital’s donor relations or foundation, not to a staff member. If a patient brings up a gift, thank them but explain that donations of equipment are handled through those official channels. The key idea is that staff should not solicit donations from patients, for everyone’s protection and to maintain trust.