Since starting my master’s, I’ve been reflecting on the idea of digital presence. 

What is my digital identity today, and what do I want it to be?

Curious, I googled my name and was surprised to find an old Pinterest account and a long-forgotten Twitter profile. The Pinterest account contained only saved workouts, with nothing clearly tied to me. Beyond that, none of the similar names online were connected to me.

So, what comes up when you google your name?

The exercise highlighted a gap that without actively shaping a professional profile, a digital identity remains underdeveloped.

Establishing a professional identity in healthcare presents unique challenges. The boundaries between personal and professional life can be blurred, and ensuring patient privacy and confidentiality remains a priority (Guraya et al., 2021). However, as digital platforms become increasingly integral to patient care and communication, healthcare professionals must adapt (Jawed, Mahboob, & Yasmeen, 2019). Maintaining a professional digital identity is not only a way to align with evolving patient needs but also an avenue for advocacy, professional communication, and digital networking (Jawed, Mahboob, & Yasmeen, 2019).

This reflection led to a deeper consideration of what kind of professional identity to cultivate and how to articulate it in a digital space. Masiero and Bailur (2020) describe professional identity formation as “an adaptive developmental process that happens simultaneously at two levels: at the individual level, involving the psychological development of the person, and at the collective level, involving the socialization of the person into appropriate roles and forms of participation in the community’s work.” Further, Warren and Braithwaite (2020) suggests that professional identity is shaped more by patient rapport, education, mentorship, uniforms, and external perceptions than by regulatory frameworks.

Considering how experiences have influenced professional perspectives, the challenge became defining and expressing this identity in a meaningful way. My goal is to be recognized as a dedicated nurse committed to advancing renal care in BC. Someone who drives innovation, embraces new ideas, and improves the system. A strong professional identity also includes being a collaborative leader who fosters teamwork, a mentor who supports others' growth, and a bridge between policy and practice. A digital presence should authentically reflect these values.

Starting a blog feels like the right step, an opportunity to establish a professional voice that emphasizes innovation, inclusivity, and continuous growth in the digital space.

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