Social Media Activity and Nursing

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Social media have brought numerous opportunities, but they are also associated with specific perils. Some criticize these platforms and advocate for banning them, at least, in some areas, including nursing. However, the vast majority of people understand that social media should be seen as an instrument that can be used properly or can be misused unintentionally or willfully (Miller, 2018). Clearly, it is rather inappropriate to place guilt on the tool if people utilize it improperly. Every nurse must follow their own moral and ethical standards when using social networks. At present, various guidelines and even regulations are provided to assist healthcare professionals in this endeavor (Stroehlein & Bayer, 2016). Social media is a helpful means that can contribute to the development of the healthcare system and improve public health, but it should be used with caution and adherence to the existing standards.

Nurses have access to patients’ personal and rather sensitive information, which is associated with a risk of violating certain norms. On the one hand, nurses need to use the data to provide high-quality care and even share it with other professionals (physicians or other nursing staff) (Butts & Rich, 2019). In some cases, nursing practitioners must provide some information to the authorities under specific circumstances. On the other hand, the disclosure of such information to third parties that are not authorized will lead to the corresponding disciplinary actions or penalties. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) includes provisions regulating information management, which makes it easier for nurses to use data appropriately.

However, nurses often share data about their patients without mentioning any personal information and consider it to be appropriate. They may tell stories related to their practice and even find some situations funny. They can use social media for this purpose without seeing the ethical issues behind such acts. The use of closed groups and digital communities cannot be the justification for sharing patients’ data. Moreover, the patient’s consent is not a panacea as it can also be misused. For instance, Bennett and Vercler (2018) illustrate this kind of situation by mentioning the way a surgeon, who received a patient’s permission to share a video of the surgery, hurt the patient’s feelings. These acts contradict fundamental Christian values such as love, care, respect, and empathy. Christian nurses will never gossip or disclose any information to others. These healthcare practitioners try to address patients’ spiritual needs, which is impossible if Trust is destroyed.

Moreover, even personal conduct can undermine the development of proper relationships with patients. The nurses who post some stories (pictures or videos) through social media make their (past and future) patients uncomfortable as their vulnerable position may be highlighted if no personal data is given. People may feel insulted and uncomfortable sharing important information about their state freely with such professionals (Bennett & Vercler, 2018). The lack of Trust is likely to make treatment less effective since healthcare professionals will remain unaware of some data that can be important or sometimes vital.

I am not an active user of social media and post some pictures or videos linked to my family life. I may post or repost some items related to my practice, but these are often confined to our department events and news about some relevant nursing advances. Hence, I do not violate any regulations and standards mentioned in the HIPAA or other acts. As for messengers, I use them for instant communication, but I never share any patients’ data through these channels. At that, I often feel I need to be really careful when asking for advice. I sometimes address my peers regarding my clinical practice and various clinical procedures.

However, I sometimes see or hear about other professionals’ posts or messages on social media that could be regarded as violations of specific rules. Although I do respect my patients’ human dignity and value, I can still improve my social media conduct. I should post more things promulgating Christian values in nursing. I will post more information regarding the conduct of healthcare professionals who show respect and develop proper relationships with patients. I believe such posts will contribute to setting higher standards and will help healthcare practitioners to be more professional.

In conclusion, it is necessary to note that social media are an essential means of sharing information that can and does facilitate the development of nursing practice. However, some nurses (or other medical staff) may misuse social media, which may lead to negative consequences. Apart from direct outcomes such as penalties or disciplinary actions, specific actions result in the deterioration of relationships between healthcare personnel and patients. Trust is one of the pillars of nursing (and overall healthcare), so it is essential to make sure that rapport is a characteristic feature of every instance of communication between a healthcare professional and patient. I do not use social media heavily, and when I do, I never share patients’ data. However, although I do not violate any standards, my conduct can be improved. I should post more texts, pictures, and videos concerning the proper use of social media and exemplary conduct of nurses.

References

Bennett, K. G., & Vercler, C. J. (2018). When is posting about patients on social media unethical “edutainment”? AMA Journal of Ethics, 20(4), 328-335. Web.

Butts, J. B., & Rich, K. L. (2019). Nursing ethics (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC.

Miller, L. A. (2018). Social media savvy. The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing, 32(3), 206-208. Web.

Stroehlein, M., & Bayer, T. (2016). Social media and nursing today. SOJ Nursing & Health Care, 2(2), 1-3.

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