What Is The Ethical Use Of Social Media In Nursing

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

They can also rely on these social media platforms to express their feelings and seek emotional support/ help from their peers, friends or family members when they need it. This can be extremely beneficial in such an emotionally taxing profession. It is important to note that every health organization such as hospitals or long-term care facilities have their own specific policies regarding the use of social media. As professionals and employees of these organizations, it is imperative that nurses are aware of these policies, as well as the confidentiality and privacy policies established by their employer. Ben, being an RPN (Registered Practical Nurse), who is a full time worker on a very busy surgical unit with two years of employment, needs to be very aware all of his employer’s policies on social media use, privacy and confidentiality. Moreover, he needs to conduct himself in a professional way online and not allow social media to become a distraction or liability in any way. In facts, CNPS Info Law (2012) states that “nurses are required to conduct themselves with a professional manner towards patients and colleagues. Failure to abide by these standards can lead to serious legal

However, my advice to Ben would be to create two sets of social media accounts; one for private and one for professional use. Ben can share private information and pictures on his personal social media accounts with his friends and family. Even when using his personal account, it would be highly advisable to ensure that his posts are appropriate since they may surface at any time unexpectedly, and if viewed by the wrong people such as employers or patients, they could have a negative impact on his professional career. “Although these sites have privacy controls, be aware that the default for many of them allows others to see some of the posted information”. CNPS Info Law (2012, para6). High privacy setting may also help prevent his posts from becoming a