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Social Media Policy in Nursing

Definition of Social Media

Social media is defined as a computer-based technology that allows people to communicate and share information, ideas, images, and personal messages virtually (Spector & Kappel, 2012). The exchange occurs via social media tools which include, networking platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, blogs, and even virtual reality technologies. Concerning the above, it is worth pointing out that these tools are generally used in different fields to deliver and receive quick electronic communication. For example, in nursing, social media helps nurses to connect their individual and professional lives, facilitates conversations with workmates regarding healthcare changes, and new practices, and so on (Barry & Hardiker, 2012). In other words, most nurses or nursing students going through the program could use social media to share challenges they have experienced or new techniques they have learned. Similarly, in general, healthcare practice, social media is vital in enhancing professional networking and education (NCSBN, 2011). It is also crucial in improving how nurses care for the patients, as well as promoting public health programs through sharing.

Despite the potential benefits of social media in nursing and healthcare practice in general, the social platforms also present various risks to the patients, as well as healthcare professionals themselves. These dangers could be in the form of poor-quality information, breach of patient privacy, unwanted impacts on the patients’ health and recovery, as well as other legal issues. As such, a robust social media policy is vital to minimize the potential threats resulting from social media abuse.

 

Myths about Social Media

There are some misconceptions regarding the use of social media that contribute to its improper use, especially in nursing practice. One of these myths is that many nurses assume a publication is confidential and can only be seen by the intended recipient (Spector & Kappel, 2012). For example, a nurse could use Facebook to post a picture of a patient who has just had his head shaven due to chemotherapy treatment. Assuming that only the patient will see the image is just a myth as all the individuals within the circle will see it.

Another misconception is the belief that once a post is erased from a site, it is can no longer be accessed. Nurses also assume that disclosing private information is harmless if it is viewed only by the intended recipients. Nevertheless, all these beliefs are false and can lead to a situation similar to that in Phil Bauman’s video (Dutton, 2011). Therefore, to prevent similar incidences, nursing professionals have developed some social media policies to be used when dealing with patients and during nursing education. However, an analysis of the different state, federal, and private facilities’ social media policies, the overall conclusion is that there is no specific template for nursing schools to adopt. Nevertheless, there are some constants. Below is a comprehensive guideline that can be used to ensure proper social media use.

Ethical and Legal Considerations

Legal considerations are those defined by government laws, while ethical standards are those based on human principles concerning what is right or wrong. Concerning ethical and legal standards, patient confidentiality and privacy are the most important. Patient confidentiality means that any personal information provided to a nurse will not be shared with other individuals unless the owner of the data permits the disclosure. As such, it should contain aspects prohibiting sharing personal patient information with a third party. Also, if sharing data about a patient, personal information should not be de-identified. On the same note, apart from privacy and confidentiality, improper use of social media by nurses shows a lack of respect towards the patient and could harm the individual mentally. Lastly, it is crucial to note that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) is a federal law that directs how personal patient information should be used. Also, the Nursing (NCSBN) rules of 2011 provide guidelines on how nurses should use social media with regard to their occupation.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Social Media Use in Nursing

An acceptable social media use includes those activities that result in positive development within the organization, while unacceptable social media uses involve actions that lead to more harm. Examples of acceptable social media by nurses include sharing general nursing information, debating healthcare policies geared at enhancing patient health, and educating caregivers, students, as well as peers. For example, discussing how to improve hygiene within the wards is a suitable way to use social media. An unacceptable social media use includes taking and sharing pictures of patients without their consent and posting personal data concerning a particular patient. For instance, posting on Facebook that a patient named Julia White is HIV positive without Ms White’s permission is an example of social media misuse.

Consequences

Apart from civil lawsuits, unacceptable use of social media in nursing can result in the institution’s license being revoked. Also, an individual can get suspended or expelled from a nursing school. Besides, a nurse or a facility that breaks the social media policy should be fined. Besides, the state or federal government could launch charges against an institution.

The board of nursing will determine the above consequences within the institution after conducting an investigation and proving that an individual went against the policy. Also, both the state and national government can independently launch their investigations to determine liability. The federal guidelines reign supreme to the institution’s social media rules.

 

                                                                                           

 

 

 

References

Barry, J., & Hardiker, N. (2012). Advancing nursing practise through social media: a global perspective. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing17(3).

Dutton, V. (2011). Hospital social media and lack of social media policy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GufTuZ3-YRo.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), (2011). A nurse’s guide to the use of social media. https://www.ncsbn.org/NCSBN_SocialMedia.pdf.

Spector, N., & Kappel, D. M. (2012). Guidelines for using electronic and social media: The regulatory perspective. Online J Issues Nurs17(3), 1.

 

 

 

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