Nursing in 2022 looks much different than nursing 20 or 30 years ago. Social media is a part of our lives now, for better or worse. To young nurses who grew up in the digital age, it’s an integral part of their lives. Social media is a natural extension of their social circles—a means of staying connected, checking in, verifying schedules and plans, and disseminating vital information.
Transitioning to a digital world has introduced new issues in healthcare regarding what’s appropriate and what’s protected. To a generation accustomed to sharing the moments of their lives, social media policies can seem unnecessarily restrictive and irrelevant.
The generations raised before widespread digital sharing grew up with different standards of privacy and professionalism and a work ethic that separates the personal from the professional. For many of them, social media seems intrusive, irrelevant and a waste of time.
Generational differences aside, they’re both right and wrong. Like most issues, the truth lies somewhere in the middle.
When used carelessly, social media can be a destructive force. But it can also be used to educate, inspire and connect.
The Do’s and Dont’s of Nursing and Social Media
The Do’s and Dont’s of Nursing and Social MediaWe’ve become accustomed to sharing our triumphs, frustrations, accomplishments and complaints to let off steam and garner social and emotional support. With a few seconds of typing and a click, your emotions have flown out into the ether, never to bother you again—until the wrong person sees your post.
Complain about a coworker, disparage your hospital, or even share an inspiring story about a patient who overcame unimaginable barriers, and the post you forgot seconds after you pressed “Send” may come back to haunt you.
Think before you click! Here are some nursing tips for using social media responsibly:
Do’s of Social Media Use
Do’s of Social Media UseUsed responsibly, social media can be used to educate and inspire. For example:
- Do blog about being a nurse, insight about the profession, and advice or tips.
- Do tweet about medical breakthroughs, facts about nursing or kudos to people or organizations making a difference.
- Do connect with professional organizations or groups.
- Do post videos with professional tips, new technology or health and safety.
Don’ts of Social Media Use
Privacy and appropriateness are critical to your patients, organization and license. When you post on social media, be careful that you:
- Don’t use work resources for social media.
- Don’t violate your employer’s social media policy.
- Don’t post to your personal accounts on work time.
- Don’t post about a patient—ever.
- Don’t post anything negative about a coworker.
- Don’t post anything but approved information about your organization.
- Don’t post negative comments about being a nurse.
Aside from appearing unprofessional, careless social media use can appear unprofessional, inappropriate, cruel, and can cross the line into a HIPAA violation devastating to your employer, coworker, patient or career.
The bottom line is to think before you post.
As a member of the most trusted profession, you have an opportunity to educate, support and champion positive change. Take it!
