Question

Linda, a property manager, has just finished a 12-week rehabilitation program with you for her broken arm. Ecstatic about her speedy recovery, she has offered a week stay at one of her cottages in Wasaga Beach this summer. How do you respond?

a) Express gratitude for the offer and accept
b) Politely decline the offer due to professional boundaries
c) Discuss the potential impact on the therapeutic relationship
d) Suggest an alternative way to express appreciation

Answer 1

b) Politely decline the offer due to professional boundaries.

While it's important to express appreciation for the generous offer from the student, maintaining professional boundaries by politely declining and suggesting an alternative like a donation to a charity would be most appropriate.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a student offers a gift of gratitude such as a week's stay at a cottage, it is important to consider the professional boundaries within which health care professionals must operate. Accepting such a generous offer could be seen as a breach of these boundaries and might impact the therapeutic relationship by creating a sense of obligation or expectation.

A suitable response would involve expressing sincere gratitude for the gesture, yet politely declining the offer. It is essential to maintain the integrity of the professional relationship, and to suggest appropriate ways for the student to show appreciation that do not jeopardize this. For instance, you might express that a written note of thanks is more than enough recognition for your services.

If the individual insists on expressing their gratitude through a gift, you might suggest they consider a donation to a charity. This maintains the professional relationship and supports a good cause.