Nurses Posting on Social Media: A How-To Guide
Social media has become so widely used that the Pew Research Center’s latest study found that 68% of all adults living in the US use Facebook with other social media channels such as Twitter and Instagram rating higher than they ever have before. It’s natural for nurses to want to share their triumphs and frustrations just like everyone else on social media. However, due to the sensitive nature of their employment, it’s important for nurses to be aware of what they’re doing and how they could potentially harm their future at work, and more importantly, their patient.
What Nurses Should Use Social Media For
There are many ways nurses can interact with social media in a positive way. For example, posting healthy tips on Twitter, discussing their passion for caring for others, or sharing an article about a drug recall allows a nurse to keep their followers informed without jeopardizing any private information.
Nurses can also start their own blogs. These blogs can help share information with the public about real stories and events. But must also be sure to protect the privacy of those involved. Blogs can be informative, funny, touching, and run the gamut of emotions.
Discussion groups for nurses can also help you learn and connect with others in similar situations. Nurses can ask questions, get answers, and learn how experienced individuals cope with workplace stress and more. However, maintain awareness that nothing, not even a closed or private group, is actually private when on the internet.
What Should a Nurse Be Careful About When Posting Online?
Imagine you’re a nurse and your favorite patient in the pediatric ward is being released that day. You’re so excited, you pose for a selfie with him and then upload it to your Instagram. Before the end of the day the photograph gets back to the patient’s parents who are horrified their recovering child is on a social media account and clearly shown in a hospital. You are fired immediately.
This situation is not far from many news stories that circulate today. Taking photos of a patient who can’t consent (due to age or mental state) and photos that identify a patient or where they are can spell trouble for the poster. Also, remember, while you can delete a post, it takes a matter of seconds to screenshot an image or post from a social media site and preserve it forever.
How can I use Social Media as Nurse Without Violating HIPAA?
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a rule which, in part, helps protect the privacy of individuals and the security of their healthcare information. This is why healthcare providers are not allowed to discuss your treatment or diagnosis with anyone without your written consent. This rule protects patients from nurses and other hospital staff identifying patients on social media or sharing their whereabouts or treatments.
Although there are plenty of materials online to help you learn what is okay to post and what violates HIPAA, you should always check with your particular healthcare facility. They will be able to best instruct you in how to manage your online presence without compromising your role as a nurse.
How Do I Know What to Post and What to Avoid?
If you’re not sure if something is appropriate to post on social media, then don’t post it. If you have any doubt, don’t do it. If you need a yardstick to measure the appropriateness of a post, then imagine both the patient and your boss are reading the post.
Would the patient be embarrassed, angry, upset? Would you boss call you into their office? Then you have your answer. Your job at the healthcare facility is to treat sick individuals and your life on social media should not take precedence over that.
Remember, you can make a positive impact on social media that can help the public feel safe and comfortable around nurses. Don’t let your emotions about a patient or a situation get the best of you. This is bigger than any individual nurse.
Are you interested in becoming a nurse? If you want to care for and protect patients, you could find yourself working in this growing sector. For more information about earning an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Nursing, make contact with an ECPI University admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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