What am I allowed to buy for my unit?

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I am a nurse on a medical unit, but I also am working with a company who is creating a free scheduling management app for nurses. I wanted to create a little exposure for our app by buying my unit some pizzas with a note saying who they are from (my name + our app). Pizzas would equate to less than $4 per nurse (for purposes of gifts) and our app is free so it isn't like we are soliciting.

Is anyone familiar with general hospital integrity laws? Would I be breaking any? I plan on implementing this across various units via my friends. I will check with my manager ahead of time, but figured it was worth an allnurses post too!

Thank you!

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pretty sure its up to your hospitals policy

I dont see how this could be an issue if the unit manager gave approval

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Check with corporate compliance /ethics as it could be considered a conflict of interest. Then ask your direct supervisor/dept manager. Even though the app is free it could be considered solicitation. In my places of employment it would not be allowed

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I agree that you need to check with you employers' policies on solicitations, etc. It would not be allowed at my hospital.

Also ... you say that the ap is "free." But certainly the company intends to make a profit somewhere in the deal or they wouldn't be able to stay in business.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

Check your conflict of interest policy. No company is allowed to provide any food or free items at our hospital anymore.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

you ARE soliciting. You are making them aware and providing an incentive to purchase. Just like a paid commercial on TV. Sounds like conflict of interest to me. However, you might be able to get nurses' names and addresses from the BON in your state and send them all a postcard

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

We can't give legal advice here per our TOS. You--and your company's attorney--need to consult with the hospital's legal department to determine if there is any conflict of interest, whether your project would be permitted, and whether any regulations/laws/etc. would be violated.

Good luck with your project.

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