As a nurse, you have spent years of your life getting to the place you currently reside. The path to medical licensure is not an easy one, and thus, you want to do everything in your power to avoid putting your license at risk.
These days, this means keeping an eye on your social media, too. You need to take care when it comes to what you post online because just one wrong thing could cost you your entire career.
Improper social media use
My American Nurse discusses the potential ramifications of social media on your license. First, keep your professional standards in mind. In real life, you obviously would never violate a patient’s privacy. But online, it is easier to slip up and make these mistakes.
For example, when looking for medical advice, you might accidentally reveal too much about your patient in the process. This can have real-world repercussions, including fines, jail time, termination from your job and even the loss of your license. Posting photos or information about coworkers or patients in the heat of the moment can result in the same sort of problems.
You also need to pay attention to how you conduct yourself even setting aside your work life. For example, making references to alcohol or drug use even on your own time can constitute unprofessional conduct.
What should you do?
Rather than avoiding social media entirely – all but impossible in modern times – you can instead take steps to ensure you spend your time online wisely. Read up on your employer’s policy on social media, do not use it while on duty, and wait before you make posts in an emotional state.
