Let’s face it. Social media has the world in a choke-hold. But this is not necessarily a bad thing. The massive rise of social media has had profound effects on many professions, and nursing is no exception. As platforms like TikTok and Instagram continue to gain popularity, they are reshaping the nursing profession in multiple ways. Social media use among health care professionals has both positive and negative impacts, influencing the public’s perception, career choices, and the future of the field. Let’s explore how social media is transforming nursing, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges this presents.
Social Media Exposing the Brutal Reality of Working in Healthcare
Social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have become powerful tools for healthcare professionals to share their daily experiences. Many nurses are using their professional accounts to offer a transparent view into the realities of nursing, providing enough information for the general public to understand its challenges and rewards. Videos and posts showcasing the high-stress environments, patient care, and emotional toll of nursing have gone viral, bringing attention to the profession’s realities.
This increased transparency has led to greater public awareness of the healthcare environment. TikTok, in particular has been one of the top online platforms that nurses use to discuss major issues such as pre-shift anxiety, nurse-to-nurse bullying, and the effects of shift work on mental health. It has also allowed people to see the hard work and dedication of nurses, garnering appreciation and respect for the nursing community. However, the increased spotlight and buzz around potential negative consequences of working in healthcare, such as burnout and stress, has discouraged many young people from pursuing a nursing career out of fear. This has lead current healthcare professionals to wonder what this will mean for the future of nursing…especially bedside nursing.
Highlighting Unconventional Uses of Nursing Degrees
Social media is also showcasing the diverse career paths available to nurses. Many healthcare providers are creating social media content highlighting the unconventional uses of their nursing degrees. From entrepreneurship and education to consulting and advocacy, nurses are demonstrating that there’s a world of options away from the bedside.
The use of social media serves as excellent outlet for nurses to share their unique career journeys, encouraging others to leverage their professional network and explore lucrative opportunities within the field. This visibility helps to broaden the perception of nursing, showing that it is not limited to traditional clinical environments but offers numerous avenues for professional development and personal growth. After all, a BSN is boasted to be one of the most versatile degrees you can obtain.
The Unrealistic View of Nursing Through a Luxurious Lens
While social media can provide a realistic glimpse into the nursing profession, it can also create a false narrative by emphasizing the luxurious lifestyles that are promoted by some nurses. Platforms like Instagram often feature content that portrays nurses enjoying high incomes, extravagant vacations, and lavish personal lives.
These portrayals can be misleading, as they do not represent the typical nursing experience. The emphasis on luxury can give aspiring nurses an unrealistic view of the profession, leading to potential consequences when they realize that nursing is not what they thought it would be. The reality is that a staff nurse’s pay varies drastically depending on geographic location and specialty. It is essential for social media users to approach this type of content with common sense and understand that these portrayals are not reflective of the broader nursing community.
Consequences of Using Social Media To Talk About Nursing
While social media can be a powerful tool for sharing experiences and building professional networks, it also comes with significant risks, particularly for healthcare professionals. The consequences of discussing nursing on social media can be severe if not managed correctly, including HIPAA violations, the spread of misinformation, and violating employer policies.
HIPAA Violations
One of the most critical issues healthcare professionals face when using social media is the potential for HIPAA violations. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates the protection of patient privacy and confidential information. Sharing any personal information about patients, even inadvertently, can lead to serious legal and professional repercussions.
Spread of Misinformation
Social media is a public network that allows for rapid dissemination of information, but not all of it is reliable. When healthcare professionals share medical advice or opinions online, there is a risk of spreading misinformation. This can be particularly harmful in the healthcare context, where inaccurate information can lead to adverse health outcomes for patients. Nurses must be cautious about the content they share and ensure that it is based on evidence and aligns with professional standards.
Violating Employer Policies
Healthcare facilities typically have strict social media policies in place to protect the privacy of the patient and the institution’s reputation. Violating these employer policies can have serious consequences. Nurses who post inappropriate content, reveal videos of patients, or speak negatively about their workplace may face disciplinary action, including administrative leave or termination. It is incredibly important for nurses to familiarize themselves with their employer’s policies and adhere to them strictly when engaging in social media usage.
Serious Consequences
The repercussions of unprofessional behavior on social media can be severe and far-reaching. Beyond immediate disciplinary action, such behavior can lead to long-term damage to a nurse’s career. Unprofessional conduct online can tarnish a nurse’s professional image, making it challenging to secure future employment or advance within the field. Additionally, serious consequences can extend to legal actions and loss of licenses, underscoring the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and common sense when using social media.
Social Media And The Future Of Nursing
Despite the stigma associated with social media, it offers a wealth of resources for professional development. This accessibility allows nurses to stay updated on networking events, entrepreneurship within nursing, and continuing education opportunities. Social media can also facilitate mentorship and collaboration, helping nurses connect with experienced professionals and peers worldwide.
Conclusion
Social media is a double-edged sword for the nursing profession. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are exposing the realities of working in healthcare, highlighting the accomplishments of healthcare providers, and showcasing the multitude of career paths available to nurses. However, they also present potential consequences by creating unrealistic views of nursing and spreading negative content that discourages potential nurses.
To navigate these challenges, healthcare professionals must approach social media with a balanced perspective, promoting a realistic and positive image of the nursing field. By adhering to professional standards, maintaining patient confidentiality, and leveraging social media for professional development, nurses can ensure that their social media presence enhances the profession rather than undermines it. The future of nursing will depend on how effectively the nursing community adapts to the evolving landscape of social media, using it as a powerful tool to support and strengthen the profession.
