Social media is all around us, day in and day out. Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, LinkedIn, and Instagram are a large part of the daily lives of millions of people. While being able to communicate with a broad audience around the globe can be an incredible ability, there are many pitfalls to social media that can have very negative impacts on the lives of its users.
For medical professionals, especially nurses, social media can be a dangerous game with some dire consequences such as terminations, lawsuits, or lost licenses. So, how can nurses prevent their use of social media from harming their careers?
Proceed With Caution! Social Media Do’s and Don’ts for Nurses
Social Media Don’ts
Don’t Use Social Media While on the Job, Ever!
While tempting, using social media at work is a big NO. First, it is distracting and can take away from patient care. Secondly, it prevents a nurse from accidentally posting work-related happenings. Lastly, social media creates a log (comments and photos that have date and time stamps) that could be used against a nurse in the event of a malpractice suit.
Don’t Post Stories About Work or Work-Related Happenings
When you have had a bad day, and you want to share it with the world, don’t. Social media can be great for venting, but as a nurse when you “vent” to the world or describe a work-related issue, you may find yourself in hot water. Not only could you be violating your employer’s social media policy, you could also be opening yourself up to litigation. Even if you don’t use names or specific details in your posts about work, you could be violating privacy laws and confidentially clauses (Non-Disclosure Agreements). For example, say your hospital is conducting a research study with a large pharma company, and you discuss study details that should not be publicly known. In this case, prepare for a lawsuit and termination of your employment contract.
Don’t Violate Patient Confidentiality
The life of a nurse is very interesting! Between off-the-wall comments made by patients and treating unusual conditions and diseases, nurses see it all. While there can be a desire to share exciting parts of your day including the medical issues you are helping to treat, it is best not to engage in this behavior. Even if you omit names, details, and other information, there are many cases where patients may still be able to be identified. This, of course, would violate patient confidentiality protections and laws (HIPAA) which would find a nurse in a great deal of legal trouble.
Don’t Post Inappropriate Pictures, Material, or Comments (Including Your Drinking or Drug Use)
This rule doesn’t just cover a nurse’s professional life it pertains to their personal life as well. It is never a good idea to post content (even if not work related) that is offensive, harmful, or hurtful. In today’s climate, many employees have found themselves with a pink slip in their hands due to offensive and inappropriate content they posted on their personal platforms.
For nurses, especially, posting about drinking or drug use could not only have personal implications, but it can also have grave professional consequences. For example, in the event of a malpractice suit, a patient’s attorney could use a nurse’s personal posts about their drinking to call into question whether the nurse was under the influence when they treated the plaintiff/patient. Moreover, while marijuana is legal in some states, hospitals and medical boards still view it as drug use in many cases.
Social Media Do’s
Do Share Verified Educational Content Others May Learn From
Social media provides a vast wealth of information. We can learn and grow by using social media in ways we never thought possible. Nurses should share and post information other nurses may find interesting and of value (such as safety or practice information). However, make sure the information you share comes from a verified source before posting.
Do Use Social Media to Raise Awareness on How Important Nurses Are!
This “do” is twofold. First, it makes your friends and followers realize how vital nurses are (especially for people who may not be familiar with medicine or nursing). Secondly, it can inspire others to join the ranks!
Moving Forward
Social media can be a blessing and a curse. For medical professionals, especially nurses, extra caution should be exercised when utilizing social media. Not only can improper social media use cost a nurse their job, it can also cost them their license and open them up to possible legal action. Thus, it is best to follow some basic social media rules to prevent grave situations from occurring. While social media for a nurse can be a scary venture, there are several ways to use the platform for positive outcomes including educating peers and raising awareness (for non-medical professionals) on how vital nurses are!
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