Last Updated on March 5, 2023 by Admin
Describe the posts or conversations in which you have engaged that might be considered inappropriate based on the professional standards of nursing
Social media plays a significant role in the lives of nurses in both their professional and personal lives. Additionally, social media is now considered a mainstream part of the process for recruiting and hiring candidates. Inappropriate or unethical conduct on social media can create legal problems for nurses as well as the field of nursing.
Login to all social media sites in which you engage. Review your profile, pictures and posts. Based on the professional standards of nursing, identify items that would be considered unprofessional and potentially detrimental to your career and that negatively impact the reputation of the nursing field.
In 500-750 words, summarize the findings of your review. Include the following:
- Describe the posts or conversations in which you have engaged that might be considered inappropriate based on the professional standards of nursing.
- Discuss why nurses have a responsibility to uphold a standard of conduct consistent with the standards governing the profession of nursing at work and in their personal lives. Include discussion of how personal conduct can violate HIPAA or be considered unethical or unprofessional. Provide an example of each to support your answer.
- Based on the analysis of your social media, discuss what areas of your social media activity reflect Christian values as they relate to respecting human value and dignity for all individuals. Describe areas of your social media activity that could be improved.
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Expert Answer and Explanation
Professionalism and Social Media
My Posts on Social Media That Were Inappropriate Based on the Professional Standards of Nursing
Social media has been dominant in every profession, and nursing is no exception (Ross & Myers, 2017). Nurses use social media to connect their professional and personal lives, as it facilitates conversations on current best practices and healthcare advances in nursing. However, posting unprofessional behavior can ruin the career of a nurse.
Some years back, I started a conversation on Facebook where I posted information about the patients under my care. The facility was not impressed, and I was almost suspended from work. The patient had an acute illness, and my only intention in the post was to highlight some of the efforts that nurses were making to enhance vital care outcomes.
Several months after that incident, I criticized a nurse in a Facebook conversation, who had posted how people can avoid lifestyle diseases. My comments made the nurse feel offended since I did not show professional ethics. I realized that I should not have criticized the efforts she was making to educate people on best practices, which are easy to implement to remain healthy. I later apologized for my actions, but the damage was already done. Those comments almost ruined my relationship with other professionals in nursing.
Reasons Why Nurses Must Uphold Professional Standards of Conduct
A nurse at all times should comply with the requirements that govern the profession due to the sensitivity of their work. Nurses have a duty to self and others, and they promote health and safety so that patients can learn of the means that can improve their health and those that can put it in jeopardy (Hess, 2020). Integrity is mandatory for nurses to win the confidence of patients. A nurse should not criticize the work of others aimed at helping improve the health of the community on any platform used. Nurses should also adhere to a high level of competence and teamwork for professional growth.
How Personal Conduct of a Nurse can Violate HIPAA Guidelines
A nurse’s conduct on social media can profoundly violate the standards set by The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) through things such as exposure of the privacy of patients. According to HIPAA, failure of a nurse to maintain high morality levels could lower the confidence that patients have with nurses and can affect their professions (Smith & Knudson, 2016).
Examples Supporting the Guidelines of HIPAA Guidelines
A nurse should never engage in sexual relations with patients as it indicates low values. HIPAA demands that nurses engage in open communication with colleagues to share ideas on improving services to the patients (Cannon & Caldwell, 2016). A nurse is accepted to also enlighten the community on proper diet and wellness to manage health issues.
Areas of My Social Media Activities That Show Christian Values and How They Relate To Dignity and Respecting Human Values for All Individuals
I believe that all people are equal according to the teachings of the Bible. I give everyone who needs my help the attention they deserve without considering their social status. In some of my posts, I have pictures of myself offering voluntary services to underprivileged communities.
In my social media posts and comments, I ensure that I do not have information that despises any group of people. I do not make negative comments because of the physical attributes of other individuals. Such actions have made me promote human dignity by showing the need to appreciate social value (Hess, 2020).
How to Improve My Social Media Activities
I have realized that I need to improve how I respond to posts on social media by other people. I need to be analytical when giving comments to avoid injuring others’ feelings, who are making efforts to help the community, and protecting my professional standing. I should be cautious and observe how reckless information in social media can affect the lives of others and ruin their professions.
References
Cannon, A. A., & Caldwell, H. (2016). HIPA5A violations among nursing students: teachable moment or terminal mistake—a case study. J Nurs Educ Pract, 6(12), 41-48.
Hess, M. E. (2020). Belief in media: cultural perspectives on media and Christianity. Routledge.
Ross, J. G., & Myers, S. M. (2017). The current use of social media in undergraduate nursing education: a review of the literature. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 35(7), 338-344.
Smith, G. C., & Knudson, T. K. (2016). Student nurses’ unethical behavior, social media, and year of birth. Nursing Ethics, 23(8), 910-918.
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FAQs
Why nurses have a responsibility to uphold a standard of conduct
- Patient safety: Nurses are responsible for the safety and well-being of their patients. By upholding a standard of conduct, nurses ensure that they are providing safe and effective care to their patients.
- Professionalism: Nursing is a profession, and as such, nurses are expected to maintain a level of professionalism in their conduct. This includes being respectful, ethical, and accountable in their interactions with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.
- Trust: Patients and their families trust nurses to provide them with high-quality care. By upholding a standard of conduct, nurses build and maintain that trust, which is essential to effective patient care.
- Legal and ethical obligations: Nurses have legal and ethical obligations to their patients, their profession, and society as a whole. By upholding a standard of conduct, nurses ensure that they are meeting these obligations and maintaining the integrity of their profession.
- Personal responsibility: Finally, nurses have a personal responsibility to uphold a standard of conduct. As healthcare professionals, they have the power to impact the lives of their patients in significant ways, and by conducting themselves in a professional and ethical manner, they can help to promote positive health outcomes and contribute to the overall well-being of their patients and communities.
How personal conduct can violate hipaa or be considered unethical or unprofessional
- Breaching patient confidentiality: HIPAA regulations require healthcare professionals to protect patient information and maintain confidentiality. Sharing patient information without their consent or discussing personal information in public settings can be a violation of HIPAA and considered unprofessional and unethical.
- Abusing power: Nurses hold a position of power over their patients, and abusing this power can be considered unethical or unprofessional. This may include engaging in inappropriate relationships with patients, using coercion or manipulation to get patients to comply with treatment plans, or exerting undue influence over patients or their families.
- Discrimination or bias: Nurses must provide care to all patients, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. Treating patients differently based on these factors is unethical and unprofessional.
- Neglect or abuse: Nurses have a duty to provide safe and effective care to their patients. Neglecting patients' needs or engaging in abusive behavior, such as physical or emotional abuse, is a violation of ethical and professional standards.
- Using social media inappropriately: Social media can be a powerful tool for nurses to connect with patients and share information, but using it inappropriately can be a violation of HIPAA and ethical standards. Posting patient information or discussing patients on social media can compromise patient confidentiality and be considered unprofessional.
Social media missteps could put your nursing license at risk
- Sharing patient information: Posting patient information, even if it is anonymous, can be a violation of HIPAA and could lead to disciplinary action or even legal consequences.
- Engaging in unprofessional behavior: Posting inappropriate or offensive content, engaging in online arguments or conflicts, or posting content that is in conflict with professional nursing standards can be considered unprofessional and could lead to disciplinary action.
- Breaching patient confidentiality: Sharing patient information with others, even if it is done unintentionally, can be a violation of patient confidentiality and could lead to disciplinary action.
- Posting inappropriate photos or videos: Posting inappropriate or compromising photos or videos, even if they are not related to patient care, could be considered unprofessional and could lead to disciplinary action.
- Offering medical advice or treatment: Offering medical advice or treatment on social media, even if it is well-intentioned, can be a violation of nursing practice standards and could lead to disciplinary action.
How nurses can use social media professionally
- Connect with colleagues: Social media can be a great way for nurses to connect with other healthcare professionals in their field. By joining nursing groups or communities on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook, nurses can engage in discussions, share resources, and learn from others in their field.
- Share information and resources: Nurses can use social media to share information and resources with their colleagues and patients. This might include sharing articles, blog posts, or educational videos on healthcare topics or sharing resources for patients with specific health conditions.
- Engage with patients and their families: Social media can be a useful tool for nurses to engage with patients and their families outside of the clinical setting. By creating social media pages or groups for patients, nurses can share information on healthy living, answer questions, and provide support to those in need.
- Promote nursing as a profession: Nurses can use social media to promote the nursing profession and highlight the important work that nurses do every day. This might include sharing inspiring stories or quotes, or highlighting the work of nursing organizations and advocacy groups.
- Participate in professional development: Social media can be a valuable tool for nurses to participate in professional development and continuing education. By following thought leaders in their field, attending online webinars, or participating in Twitter chats, nurses can stay up-to-date on the latest research and trends in nursing practice.
Professionalism and social media
- Protect patient confidentiality: Nurses should never post or share patient information on social media, even if it is anonymous. This is a violation of HIPAA regulations and could lead to disciplinary action.
- Adhere to professional standards: Nurses should maintain a professional tone on social media and avoid engaging in any behavior that could be considered unprofessional or unethical. This includes refraining from making derogatory comments about patients, colleagues, or employers.
- Be mindful of the public nature of social media: Anything that is posted on social media can be seen by others, including patients, colleagues, and employers. Nurses should be mindful of the public nature of social media and think carefully before posting anything that could reflect poorly on them or their profession.
- Separate personal and professional accounts: Nurses should consider creating separate personal and professional social media accounts. This can help to maintain a professional online presence and avoid any potential confusion or conflicts of interest.
- Monitor social media activity: Nurses should regularly monitor their social media activity and be aware of any comments or posts that could be perceived as unprofessional or unethical. This can help to prevent any potential disciplinary action or damage to their reputation.
