Social Media and Professionalism: How are nurses involved?

September 9, 2019

As a frequent user of different social media platforms, I was surprised when I realized that I had never considered completing an audit of my social media identities. I recognize the implications that a social media presence can have on my professional identity. Immediately I checked my privacy settings on Facebook and Instagram, confident that I had the maximum security settings allowable. I was happy when I realized that this was the case. Recently I had an interaction with a client that reminded me of the importance of maintaining personal security of my social media platforms. My thought behind maintaining strict privacy settings is simple; I don’t feel it’s necessary for those outside of my friends and family to following along my personal journey.

I have found that although I am a regular social media user, I really don’t post as much as I thought I did. I have always been cognizant of how my online presence could be influenced by my professional boundaries. Since a change in my career I have become more mindful of how an employer may perceive the content that I post. This pertains to posts I make, comment on or share. It seems to be common practice these days for individuals to become much more opinionated or outspoken on a social platform than they would be in person. This is not a character trait that I value or want to endorse.

In reviewing my social media I realized that I am displaying the type of professional identity that I value. I strive to maintain professional boundaries and not engage in any activities that would be associated with poor professional etiquette. In my role, I promote professionalism and professional behavior in the workplace. I believe that this value can be expanded on to continue to be promoted outside of the workplace and encourage individuals to be aware of the messages they are sharing through their social media. Part of my own professional values is honesty and integrity. Those are two values that I have seen in previous leaders and I believe that honesty and integrity made a large impact on their ability to be effective leaders.

Beyond my own personal values, I must also be mindful of the professional standards and expectations that are set out by my governing body, the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). The CNO has strict guidelines in terms of nursing practice with a specific focus on professionalism. These standards include accountability; continuing competence; ethics; knowledge; knowledge application; leadership; and relationships (CNO, 2002). Accountability dictates that the nurse’s behavior is accountable to the public and responsible for ensure that their practice and conduct is congruent with the standards of the profession (CNO, 2002). The leadership standard of the practice standards acknowledges that nurses should act as role models and mentors for novice nurses and students (CNO, 2002). This can be extended to behave in a professional and accountable way outside of the workplace. Nurses continue to be nurses when their shift ends and remain accountable to the College of Nurses of Ontario. Recently in the media, the CBC shared a case of a nurse from Saskatchewan who is being charged with a $26,000.00 fine after a post she made on Facebook was found to violate a social media policy (Good faith or unfair attack? Saskatchewan appeal court to rule on nurse's Facebook posts, 2019). This serves as a primary example of how a nurse shared her opinion on a social media platform which has had significant implications on her professional life.

It is important to keep in mind that those who chose to enter the nursing profession did so with the expectation of representing the CNO. Nursing expands beyond the confines of an eight hour shift and is reflective of a profession that is based on caring and trust. Nurses must promote healthy relationships and boundaries with patients and the public while advocating for their profession. The CNO maintains an online presence that promotes ongoing learning, inclusivity and information sharing on the platform. In my opinion, nurses should always be cognizant of the content they are sharing on their social media to ensure they are within the standards of the CNO and keeping in mind the impact that their online actions could have on the public.

References

Good faith or unfair attack? Saskatchewan appeal court to rule on nurse's Facebook posts. (2019, September 17). Retrieved September 28, 2019, from CBC: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/carolyn-strom-appeal-nurse-facebook-1.5285966

College of Nurses of Ontario(2002). Professional Standards, Revised 2002. Retrieved September 27, 2019, from College of Nurses of Ontario: http://www.cno.org/globalassets/docs/prac/41006_profstds.pdf