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The Impact of Social Media and Technology on Professionalism in Healthcare
Advanced Nursing Practice
A key characteristic of Advanced Practice Nurses (APN) is to develop and refine the ability to generate and synthesize research and use this information to influence positive changes to everyday nursing practice (Burns & Quatrara, 2013). APNs are well placed as clinical leaders to facilitate for frontline nurses the links between practice and research. Stevens (2013) reminds us that evidence-base practice can result in improved care, positive patient outcomes and enhanced nursing satisfaction. Nurses are professionally obligated to ensure that the best evidence supports their nursing work, with the end goal being the delivery of the best care
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possible to their clients. It is distinctly obvious the vital role that APN’s play in promoting, enhancing and supporting evidenced-based practice by frontline nurses. But evidence-base practice does not just encompass the need for knowledge in the care of the patient but also how to uphold the professional image of the nurse, as well as the benefits and risks of technology and how this technology can advance or hinder ones’ practice. APNs act as role models for frontline nurses to influence ethical decision-making and to stimulate policy development and adaptation that positively impacts all populations. (Grace, 2013) I was able to work with the guidance of an APN to complete an extensive literature review on the impact of technology in the healthcare setting, specifically social media and professionalism. The objective was to provide nursing units at the Prince County Hospital with evidenced-based information on social media and it’s influence on staff members’ professional persona and how to navigate this environment in an ethical manner. Background Web Based Social Networks (WBSN) refers to online technologies and practices that are used to share information and opinions, host conversations, and build relationships. (Carminati, Ferrari, & Perego, 2009). Examples of WBSN include, but are not limited to, discussion forums, blogs, wikis, and podcasts (i.e., FaceBook©, Twitter©, Linkedin©, Vine©, Snapchat©, Intstagram©). CIRA (2014) tell us that 91% of Canadians are internet users, spending an average of 5 hours a day online and 55% are active users of Facebook©. The use of WBSN by both nursing students and nursing professionals is inescapable. Unfortunately, as online activity increases, boundaries between public and private lives become blurred and this lack of clarity presents opportunities for ethical and professional violations when using WBSN. Over the past several years, international attention has been paid to practicing nurses, as well as nursing students, and their unprofessional behavior on social media sites. Such behavior has resulted in disciplinary measures, from verbal reprimand, to termination of employment or dismissal from school. A common theme exposed from a review of these violations is that most individuals were unaware that their online behaviors are also representative of their professionalism (Bassett Greenan, 2013). Current State of Knowledge Utilizing the search engines of PubMed, Google scholar, and CINIHL, articles were collected that discussing the ethical implications regarding the misuse of social media and how to avoid violations of patient privacy (Baker, 2013; Cronquist & Spector, 2012; Lang, 2013; McBride & Cohen, 2009; Melnik, 2013; Stokowski, 2011; Witt, 2009).
Along with a surplus of material on how to manage ones’ social media profile, the following five articles warning nurses of the professional, ethical, and legal implications over the improper use of social media (Clark, 2013; Cronquist & Spector, 2012; Keogh, 2013; Lambert, Barry, & Stokes, 2012; McCrink, 2010). Even with this information readily available, there is very little documentation concerning nurses comprehension of whether they have crossed the professional line and how managers can insure their staff have all the tools they need to prevent this breach of professionalism from …show more content…
occurring. Englund, Chappy, Jambunathan, and Gohdes, (2012) completed an online quantitative survey to investigate the ethical and professional implications surrounding the use of online social networking. Their study revealed that undergraduate nursing students appreciate the need for professionalism but do not completely comprehend the ethical or professional repercussions that can occur when using social networking sites. It was also suggested that nursing students may not yet understand that content posted on social media is directly correlated to their professionalism. von Muhlen and Ohno-Machado (2012) completed a systematical review of 50 articles on the adoption of social media usage including physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and dentists in all stages of training, anywhere in the world. This analysis revealed that posting unprofessional content and breaches of patient confidentiality are not uncommon and have prompted calls for social media guidelines. Nyangeni, du Rand and van Rooyen (2015) completed a qualitative study to explore and describe the perceptions of nursing students regarding the responsible use of social media.
The study concluded that nursing students use social media carelessly, experience blurred boundaries between personal and professional lines and lack accountability when using social media.
“The rapid growth and accessibility of social networking websites has fundamentally changed the way people manage information about their personal and professional lives” (Garner & O'Sullivan, 2010 p.113). Even when primarily used for personal or entertainment reasons, nurses need to be mindful that when using social media others (such as employers or patients) may use it to make judgments of a professional
nature. Whether intentional or not, nurses who use poor judgment on social networking site can harm their patients, their employers, the schools they attend, and themselves (Stokowski, 2011). By violating patient privacy and confidentiality laws, it can be viewed as a violation of our patients trust. Once a person’s professional reputation has been damaged it is not easily repaired. Presenting an unprofessional image can be detrimental to the nursing profession as a whole, and it may affect employment opportunities (Baker, 2013). Unprofessional behavior reflects poorly on an institution therefore potential employers sometimes monitor an applicant’s use of social media when making hiring decisions (Weigel, 2013). While controversy exists regarding the legal and moral basis of this practice, at the moment there are few, if any, formal regulations in place to prevent this monitoring. Therefore, users of social media are left to navigate this ever-changing venue with minimal guidance.
Burns, N., & Grove, S. K. (2011). Understanding nursing research: building an evidence-based practice (5th ed.). Maryland Heights, MO: Elsevier/Saunders
152). EBP has inspired nurses to acknowledge the significance of theory and research and utilize it to their area of practice. Through strong educational foundation and advanced practice, APN is able to comprehend the relationship between research, theory and EBP and utilize it in providing quality care to patients. Best research evidence is indispensable, as nurses nowadays use pragmatic evidence in practice and not just previous experiences or beliefs (Chinn, & Kramer, 2011). Evidence based practice has been proven to upgrade patient outcomes, reduce health care expenses, and cause increased patient and provider satisfaction. By using evidence-based care and theories, patients are given proper assessment and treatment without wasting valuable money and supplies on testing and procedures that are not
Evidence-based practice integrates best current evidence with clinical expertise and patient/family preferences and values for the delivery of optimal health care (qsen.org). Like most medical professions, nursing is a constantly changing field. With new studies being done and as we learn more about different diseases it is crucial for the nurse to continue to learn even after becoming an RN. Using evidence-based practice methods are a great way for nurses and other medical professionals learn new information and to stay up to date on new ways to practice that can be used to better assess
Research based practice is arguably the hallmark of professional nursing and is essential for high quality clinical and cost effective nursing care (ICN 2009)
Evidence - Based Nursing, An introduction (2008, p.1) “ At is core evidence based ‘anything’ is concerned with using valid and relevant information in decision making” “high quality research is the most important source of valid information”.
In health care, evidence-based research is crucial. Nurses revolve their practice on evidence so that they may provide the best health care. Without research, there would be no evidence to prove health care related findings (Shmidt & Brown, 2012). With appropriate
Social media is affecting all spheres of life and no profession is left untouched by the impact of social media and nursing profession is no exception. Nobody can deny the benefits of social media for the profession of nursing yet its disadvantages for the registered nurses and student nurses during clinical practice cannot be ignored. “Social media can be defined as the constellation of internet-based tools that help a user to connect, collaborate, and communicate with others in real time” (Ressler & Glazer, 2010). Social media is growing at a very rapid rate and is now the mainstream communication method for most of the global population (http://www.internetworldstats.com/facebook.htm). It has brought a tremendous revolution in communication and disseminating information to nurses round the world.
In a press release, NACAC wrote, “One-fourth of colleges surveyed indicated that they used Web search or social networking technology to locate information about prospective students.” (Source B) Now, students communicate on social media tools like Facebook and Twitter. Colleges should check student’s social media because student’s spend so much time communicating on them. According to Joyce Smith, “While still no substitute for face-to-face interaction, social media have opened lines of communication and inquiry for both students and institutions that were inconceivable only a decade ago.” (Source B)
I think all social media outlets can really be a good thing if they are used wisely but they can also be the cause of much trouble when used foolishly. Facebook posts have cost public safety personal a lot of jobs in the last few years. We can spend some more time talking about Facebook later. For now, I want to speak about those other social media outlets that have caused employees that I know to get in hot water. I know of three that have really caused more than a few public safety, personal a few days without pay. They are Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter. It amazes me how many adults think and tell you when interviewing them after an incident that they did not relive or know that when you hit the delete button that what they had just hit send is not really deleted. Just because you take a photo of yourself doing something stupid or one with your patient and think that it will be gone when the Snapchat post disappears… it does
One of the ethical dilemma that could arise from the use of social media is when a client searches and sends a friend request or adds a worker on Facebook. Another ethical dilemma could be when a client follows his or her worker on twitter/Instagram. This could potentially take the workers privacy away because the client might get to know more than they should such as personal information, family photos etc. on the other hand, it could get in the way of the helping process or therapeutic relationship, especially if the worker do not explain to the client why they cannot be friends on social media.
Smart phones and social media in the health care field presents opportunities and growth advancement but also comes with many consequences and challenges. Health care organizations have regulated the use of smartphones and posting confidential information on social media such as HIPPA, which have laws intact if violated these laws may lead to termination or fines. The patient’s privacy and confidentiality is important when creating such policies, to maximize work efficiency and to create a safe environment. Furthermore, health care staff need to ensure that their patient care standards aren’t compromised by the use of these devices or social media postings.
Nursing research is a scientific process that authenticates current knowledge and builds upon new information.The goal of the study is to establish a relevant body of evidence-based knowledge for a discipline such as nursing (Grover, Gray, & Burns, 2015). As a BSN research is necessary for practice, evidence-based practice saturates the workplace. Nurses must understand how to read the study and implement aspects of the research in the unit as required by the hospital. Baccalaureate nurses are aware of the process of research collect data and identify research questions, and can critically read the studies, and assist with the implementation evidence-based practice and policies (Grover et al., 2015). A nurse with a BSN education obtained knowledge
Emerging communication technologies such as social media have been very beneficial for nurses, however, platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, need to be used responsibly. There is a thin line that separates beneficial and professional use of social media from irresponsible, unprofessional and even illegal uses “There is a general perception that nurses are trustworthy and the nursing profession is honorable” RNAO (2013). I believe all nurses must be aware of that line and use social media sites in a professional and responsible manner. One of the biggest dangers of social media and websites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, is the amount of time that they consume out of the average person’s life. In 2016, the average Canadian spent
When it comes to social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube, nobody wants to think about the negative effects it has on patients. Brian Cayko, the director of clinical education in the respiratory care program at Great Falls College, Montana State University in Great Falls, Montana argues that social media makes it easier for patients. When a patient is not able to acquire care at the medical facility, they can get in touch with their respiratory therapist with the use of social media sites. Cayko also states that social media sites can be helpful as “educational resources, patient support and social and professional networking.” I think that Cayko knows that everyone must remember the negative things about social media and the internet, with the understanding that just because it’s on the web doesn’t mean that it is the truth. No, not everything is wrong with social media sites, I am involved in social media sites myself; however, personally I know that when it comes to an occupation especially in the medical field, you have to be more aware of the negatives than the
Upon the advent of social networking websites, an entirely new level of self-expression was formed. People instantly share updates on their lives with family, friends, and colleagues, reconnecting with those they had lost contact with. Social networking has now become an integral part of contemporary society – a modern analog for catching up with friends over slow, conventional methods or finding upcoming events in newspapers. However, along with this freedom of information, the danger of revealing too much personal information has become apparent. As such, online social media poses an imminent danger to society as it blurs the line between private and public information, creating an obsession with sharing one’s personal life online.