The new graduate nurse and social media

Registered nurses have additional responsibilities when using social media as a healthcare professional. It’s vitally important for nurses to understand how to use social media appropriately, as misuse of social media can adversely impact a nurse’s employment and even their license. In addition to basic safe social media practices like not sharing personal information and using two-factor authentication, there are other ways nurses can protect and safeguard their social media presence and their career.

• Most employers have social media policies that can have an impact on content posted by employees even when not at work. Nurses should be familiar with these policies and be aware of how they impact their social media habits.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and privacy at all times. Anything that can be considered protected health information or potentially identifiable information can place the nurse at risk.
• Consider separating personal and professional online accounts and information.
• Avoid posting derogatory or negative comments about colleagues, managers, or other coworkers online as this can be considered cyberbullying.
• Share credible information only and engage with respectful content.
• Understand that information on the internet is permanent and can be retrieved, even if deleted.

There are many positive aspects of social media that can be advantageous to the nurse.  Avoiding the above pitfalls can help nurses use social media appropriately to discuss and collaborate, engage with the public, and further their professional development.