Nurse with side business

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Nov 16, 2011

I would check with the facility that employs you ... make sure this is not a conflict of interest... per their policy.

merlee · Nov 16, 2011

Many facilities have a non-solicitation policy that includes Girl Scout cookies, Avon books, school fundraisers, etc. If yours has one, then do not approach anyone on the facility proprety.

Otherwise, there is nothing wrong with your business. No conflict of interest with your job.

Many, many nurses have other interests that include businesses.

Best wishes!!

Mulan · Nov 16, 2011

I don't see anything wrong with it. I think I got one in the mail one time.

How do you get into that?

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Nov 16, 2011

i think you're on verrrrrry shaky ground if you give them away to patients or families at work or if you imply (because the recipient knows that you are a nurse) that you are endorsing the commercial establishment or vendor as better in some way.

if you want to put on regular clothes and go stand in front of the mallwart and hand them out like candy, knock yerself out, but don't do it as a nurse. :twocents:

chevyv, BSN, RN · Nov 17, 2011

We can't try to sell girl scout cookies where I work. I'm sure we would be walked out for trying to peddle anything

Orange Tree · Nov 17, 2011

I don't know about unethical, but it rubs me the wrong way when people approach me with business propositions at work. I don't want to buy pampered chef kitchenware, premier designs jewelry, avon makeup, scentsy candles or any of the other things people attempt to sell to me. There are actually some people I'm afraid to say hi to, because I know they're always looking for an opportunity to make that sale!

And I think it would be even more irritating if I were approached with an offer of "help" that puts cash in the "helper's" pocket.

ohionurse33 · Nov 17, 2011

Thanks for the replies. I should have been clearer that the older nurse was not a co-worker, just someone I knew socially. I have not given any cards to patients or families. I did however put some in the breakroom for other employees. (We are allowed to have breakroom sales materials.) I have told the employees about the discounts with the card, and for those who were interested, I have filled them in on the business. I have tried not to, but I'm sure I talked too much about it at first because I was excited about it all. So anyway, from what you all are saying, I think everything is okay. Again, thanks for the input.

ohionurse33 · Nov 17, 2011

I was referred by a friend who is a nurse elsewhere. I don't think I can give you the website though d/t advertising rules on this site.

merlee · Nov 17, 2011

So this nurse was not even someone at work?? And the interaction was not at your facility?? Then there is no conflict at all.

Best wishes on your endeavor.

AppleRN4 · Nov 17, 2011

I have a full time job as a nurse, but have a side business of giving away free prescription discount cards. I do make a small profit each time the cards are used, but nothing equivalent to the savings that the customer receives. I approached an older nurse with this business opportunity and she acted like I was doing something unethical. Is there some ethical principal that I am unaware of that would imply there is something wrong with me giving these cards away? (I work in long term care so I'm not even giving them to my patients.)

Most hospitals don't want you using patients/hospital clientele to advance your business, and in that regard, it's unethical to hand out these cards at work, or even contact patients you meet at work regarding your venture. If you're doing this outside of work, without using patient info gathered while working, then I don't see a problem with it.

mindlor · Nov 17, 2011

GrnTea as is most often the case is spot on. Just font give them out at work and to patients etc, then you will be fine :)