The Do’s and Don’ts

A Nurse’s Guide to the Use of Social Media

DEFINESocial Media

What you should know.

• Social media is used to share, promote and connect, as a nurse, you should be extra weary about what you do and don’t post.

• To stay professional and savvy, follow these social media do’s and don’ts.

• START NOW!

Agenda

• Understanding the power of your profile• What do your profile/tweets say about you?• Confidentiality and Privacy• Don’t think it’s all bad news• Remember your privacy settings• Avoiding Disclosing Confidential Information• Join Networking Groups

UNDERSTANDING YOUR PROFILEFacts

Facts

• 2/3 of all Americans have a smart phone

• 1 in every 5 people on Earth is on Facebook

• 71.2 % of all USA internet users are on Facebook

• Average person spends 20+ minutes per day on Facebook – That’s equivalent to 5 FULL days per year

Fact

• Careerbuilder.com conducted a survey of 2,100 hiring managers across the country

• 2 in 5 companies nation wide use social media to screen potential candidates. Up 37% from 2012– Candidate posted provocative/inappropriate photos/info – 50%– There was info about candidate drinking or using drugs – 48%– Candidate bad mouthed previous employer – 33%– Candidate had poor communication skills – 30%– Candidate made discriminatory comments related to race, gender, religion, etc. – 28%– Candidate lied about qualifications – 24%

Don’t Let This Be You

Branding 101

Good News

DO promote a positive image of nurses

• Project yourself to be caring, empathetic and nurturing.

• Social media is an great place to promote exactly what a nurse is—a caregiver.

• Make your online presence one that is kind and approachable.

• After all, someone on your friends list could need your help or advice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9FBEiZRnmo

DON’T post photos or information of patients

• Regardless of whether or not you and a patient became close during their stay, posting a photo or video of them would violate patient confidentiality and be potential grounds for a lawsuit.

• Even if the patient gives you permission to take and post a photo, as a their caregiver, deny their request and respect their privacy.

DO talk about what’s new in the healthcare field

• Talking about current events makes you appear knowledgeable and well-informed.

• Sharing advances in nursing and healthcare shows that you are truly passionate about what you do and can spark some great discussions.

DON’T post compromising information about yourself, patients, bosses or co-workers

• This goes with any job but should be taken especially seriously in a field that promotes health and wellness.

• Even though posting about how drunk you were after a grad party, or how awful your boss’ new haircut is, may seem harmless, these actions could affect your job.

• Be mindful of your words and actions

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/video/nurse-fired-instagram-post-24464137

DON’T assume your posts and profiles are protected

• If you work in a specialty of nursing where you deal with potentially dangerous patients, take extra precautions with posts and profile privacy.

• With just a name, nearly anyone can find you trough a search, and nearly anyone can screenshot what you post, so consider your audience and your content before posting—The internet has a long memory.

• Jason’s Story

DO respect patient-nurse confidentiality

• Keep names and cases off social media. Patients place their trust in you to take care of them without the fear of someone else knowing they’re seeking help.

• Even if you don’t name names, keep stories off social media as well; it’s only be a matter of time before someone puts the pieces of the puzzle together and figures out which case or patient you’re talking about

DON’T complain about work or patients

• So you don’t like your job? • That’s alright, you can take a permanent leave

of absence. Nursing is one of the fastest growing fields in the U.S. right now, and while it takes time to build a successful team of nurses, there are other qualified nurses that could take your spot if you complain.

• Save the venting for friend night, not social media.

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