Can I accept a gift from a patient or their family?
Generally, nurses and midwives should avoid accepting gifts from patients or their families, as it can blur professional boundaries and create a perception of bias. Small tokens of appreciation (like thank-you cards) may be acceptable, but anything of significant value should be politely declined or reported according to your workplace policy.
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s Code of Conduct reminds practitioners to maintain professional boundaries and act in ways that uphold public trust. Accepting gifts that could influence or appear to influence your professional judgment may breach these standards. Always prioritise professional boundaries and document any gifts offered to ensure transparency and compliance with the Code.