Ethical tipping point: Nurses’ presence on social media Steers, Mai-Ly N. PhD, MAGallups, Sarah F. PhD, MPH, RN

Question Ethical tipping point: Nurses’ presence on social media Steers, Mai-Ly N. PhD, MAGallups, Sarah F. PhD, MPH, RNAuthor Information EmailCite ReusePDFArticlePDFComplete ReferenceFull-featured View Abstract  Abstract: This article discusses ethical concerns surrounding social media content posted by nurses; specifically, how these posts may violate public trust. It also summarizes considerations for nurses to contemplate before posting to social media and provides examples of positive uses of social media.  Figure No caption available.A NURSE RECENTLY sparked headlines after a controversial tweet of a video originally posted on TikTok.1,2 The video featured the poster, who is dressed as a patient in a hospital gown and clutching her chest. She appears to be short of breath. The video cuts, and, this time, she has donned scrubs and swings a stethoscope while gyrating and rapping the words, “Get it! Get it! Out of breath, huh?” to mock the “patient.” The caption read, “We know when y’all are faking” followed by two laughing emojis.1,3 The post provoked so much anger that it spawned the “#PatientsAreNotFaking” hashtag and served as the impetus for thousands of Twitter users to share stories about healthcare professionals they perceived to have dismissed their legitimate health concerns.This is just one example of a nurse whose social media posts have inspired anger. Nurses have become increasingly scrutinized for social media posts, including but not limited to those advocating abstinence for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, deriding patients for their sexual history, and mocking patients who miscarried after vaping while pregnant.3These cases bring into question the professional and ethical boundaries of nurses and other healthcare professionals on social media. For example, if these posts do not explicitly violate confidentiality by singling out patients and, instead, provide general commentary, why has the public responded so negatively? Nurses should be allowed to post about their everyday experiences like members of other professions, but where is the line? This article discusses the ethics of social media use and provides nurses with some overarching guidelines to consider when posting on a social media platform.Violating the public’s expectations During pinning ceremonies, new nurses from across the country often recite a version of the Florence Nightingale Pledge. In it, they promise to “abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous,” “maintain and elevate the standard of [their] profession,” “hold in confidence all personal matters committed to [their] keeping,” and “dedicate [themselves] to devoted service to human welfare.”4 The underlying principles of this oath represent a call to action for nurses to set aside their personal needs or desires and hold the welfare of their patients above all else.According to the annual Gallup poll, nursing has been rated the most honest and ethical profession for 18 consecutive years compared with other surveyed professions in the US.5 Further, the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics notes that the professional and personal identities of nurses are entwined. As such, nurses should embody the values of nursing even in their personal lives.6 The public expects nurses (and healthcare professionals at large) to maintain a level of decorum and professionalism that extends beyond their working hours. Failure to live up to these expectations can have serious personal and professional consequences for nurses.Expectancy violation theory may help to explain why the public can be outraged by inappropriate posts from nurses on social media. It suggests that individuals can experience intense, heightened emotions such as extreme anger in response to perceived violations of their expectations.7,8 Inappropriate content posted to social media undermines the trustworthy reputation of nurses, sparking outrage. After experiencing these intense emotions, people may begin to ignore the message and content of the post, instead focusing their attention on the source of the message.9 As a result, people may not only think negatively about the nurse making the post, but they may also make judgments about nurses in general.Ethical considerations Many ethical concerns relate to social media use among nurses, including explicit breaches of confidentiality or violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.10,11 In a 2020 study of nearly 400 nurses, 80% of surveyed participants described posting pictures of patients, even without identifiers, to social media as “never okay.”12 However, the remaining 20% of participants would not rule out the possibility, responding with “depends” or “not sure.”12Besides protecting patient privacy, another major ethical concern is the erosion of trust in the nurse-patient relationship. According to the ANA Code of Ethics, a nurse’s primary commitment is to gain the trust of patients, families, and communities by practicing with compassion and respect.6 This includes recognizing and setting aside any personal prejudices or biases, respecting the personal beliefs and decisions of patients, and maintaining professional boundaries.6 As demonstrated in the example at the beginning of this article, negative portrayals of hypothetical patients, colleagues, or employers, even without any identifiable information, can erode this trust and ultimately affect nurse-patient relationships.13Before posting to social media, nurses must consider whether they may be inadvertently exacerbating cultural differences and misunderstandings, such as perpetuating stereotypes, or enabling discriminatory behavior, such as choosing not to engage with someone for racial or socioeconomic reasons. An example is pushing the “like” button to endorse another user’s unsuitable or inappropriate content, such as inflammatory racial remarks.13Additionally, nurses should be hesitant about making any impulsive posts when venting after a long day, even if they lack malicious intent, as such actions can damage the public’s trust in professional caregivers. As a consequence, patients may decide not to disclose pertinent or important health information critical to patient care due to fear of judgment from their healthcare professionals. Additionally, patients may be less likely to adhere to treatment recommendations and less satisfied with care and health-related quality of life.14 Trust is the foundation of the nurse-patient relationship, and the ability to cultivate and maintain it is critical for nurses as they promote health and provide patient-centered care.Avoiding pitfalls How can nurses avoid these ethical and professional pitfalls? The ANA and the National Council for State Boards of Nursing have provided general guidelines for nurses posting to social media that include the following.15-17Constructive uses of social media With so much discussion on what they should refrain from posting, nurses should remember that they can also create a positive social media presence. These platforms can be fun and entertaining sources to foster dialogue, disseminate research, exchange information, and engage with patients.10 For example, nurses have posted short, fun dance or music videos featuring colorful screen captions to TikTok, providing education on various health topics from osteoporosis to COVID-19.By sharing experiences that are also relatable to those not involved in healthcare, such as maintaining work-life balance or parenting young children, many healthcare professionals disseminate evidence-based information in a lighthearted way. These posts are important because they humanize healthcare professionals, which can subsequently strengthen relationships with patients.Additionally, social media platforms allow a safe space for the nursing community to bond over common experiences unique to nurses. Nurses have used social media to connect with peers and encourage future generations of colleagues and coworkers. These interactions have the potential to inspire a more diverse group of young people to pursue healthcare careers.A positive online environment Nurses can have fun on social media, but they should always ensure that their posts maintain the integrity of the nursing profession. Overall, nurses are encouraged to harness the power of the internet to foster a positive online environment in which they can share critical healthcare information, educate the public, and support and encourage other healthcare professionals. Question for the paper. read the article and answer this question.This assignment must use the required article stated in the announcement described above to complete the following items:Title PageIntroductionExplain that this paper is a summary of the assigned articleExplain that the impact of the article contents on your own future practice will be presentedLength of Introduction must be 50-75 wordsAssigned Article SummaryClearly summarize the major content of the assigned article. This should be an improved version of your Week 4 submission.One or two short quotations with citations (must include the assigned sentence for quotation)Several paraphrased areas with citations (must include the assigned sentence for paraphrasing)Length must be 175-200 wordsImpact of Assigned Article Content on Future PracticeClearly state how learning from the assigned article will impact your future practiceMust be your own ideas about the impact of the article on your future nursing practiceUse first person in this sectionNo citations are needed in this sectionLength must be 125-150 wordsConclusionWrite a concise summary of the main points of the paperProvide a concluding statementLength must be 75-100 wordsReference for the assigned article should be a revised version of the Week 4 reference improved based on your instructor’s Week 4 feedback. Include the following:Author(s)YearArticle titleJournal nameVolume numberIssue numberPage numbersParenthesesDouble line spacingHanging indentDOI if availableEach of required items above is clearly described on the Professional Paper Template and Rubric (below on this page).When your Week 6 Professional Paper Assignment is completed, save and close the completed template. Follow the submission instructions at the top of this page to upload your assignment.Template Professional Paper Template [LINK] (Links to an external site.)Best Practices Please use your browser’s File setting to save or print this page.Use the template provided. Points will be deducted for incorrect or no template used.Contact your instructor with any questions.Scholarly Sources and Citations Cite and reference the required article in APA format**Academic Integrity** Chamberlain College of Nursing values honesty and integrity. All students should be aware of the Academic Integrity policy and follow it in all discussions and assignments.By submitting this assignment, I pledge on my honor that all content contained is my own original work except as quoted and cited appropriately. I have not received any unauthorized assistance on this assignment.Rubric  NR351 W6 Professional Paper Assignment Rubric   Health Science Science Nursing NURSING 351 Share QuestionEmailCopy link Comments (0)