Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

A resident has purchased a special gift for her NA. What would be the best response by the NA?

1. The NA should refuse the gift but thank the residents for thinking of her.

2. The NA should accept the gift because she is unsure about her facility's policy on gifts.

3. The NA should accept the gift if the resident will keep it confidential.

4. The NA should refuse the gift and tell the resident that her employer is very unfair about the employees accepting gifts from the residents.

The correct answer is: The NA should refuse the gift but thank the residents for thinking of her.

The best response from the nursing assistant when a resident presents a gift is to refuse the gift while expressing gratitude. This approach maintains professional boundaries, which is crucial in a healthcare setting. Accepting gifts can potentially create feelings of favoritism or obligation, which can interfere with the quality of care provided to all residents. By thanking the resident for their thoughtfulness while respectfully declining the gift, the nursing assistant reinforces a professional relationship grounded in care rather than personal gain. This response also aligns with many healthcare facilities’ policies that often discourage employees from accepting gifts to prevent ethical dilemmas and maintain fairness among all residents. The other options do not support the professional standards expected in a healthcare environment. Accepting a gift without knowledge of the facility's policy can lead to complications and breaches of professional conduct. Accepting the gift under the premise of confidentiality does not address the fundamental issue of maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. Lastly, refusing the gift while disparaging the employer's policy can undermine the assistant's professional standing and may create tension between staff and management. Thus, showing appreciation for the thought while upholding guidelines is the most prudent approach.