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.

What might be considered inappropriate

I went through my social media history and I did not find anything inappropriate that I have posted. I often engage people on Christian pages on Facebook for two primary reasons. The first is to give my views when a person posts a question. The second is to offer a Biblical perspective where fallacies and false teachings are propagated. At one time I requested ‘a prophet’ to post his ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures after the said individual claimed that the Holy Spirit enabled him to lose 20 pounds overnight. He asked for anyone who wanted the same miracle to send a seed offering and they would lose weight too. Of course, this individual was really angry because I challenged him. He went ahead and said that the angel of death would visit me for daring to challenge a miracle. He proceeded to block me from the page after other readers began to demand pictures as well. This is the most I have ever been involved in as regards what is outside of my ‘encourager’ personality. I do not think it would affect my nursing career though. Professionalism and Social Media nursing essay

Why nurses should uphold a good standard

The nursing profession is among the few that is more than just a profession but a calling as well (Emerson, 2017). A nurse is a person that is compassionate and empathetic in and out of the work environment. Nurses are called to ‘do no harm’ and this includes in their personal lives. A nurse should allow for dignity to be a guide when caring for patients, and in communicating with patients and colleagues. Additionally, this dignity should be a guide in conducting personal affairs.

How personal conduct can violate HIPAA

When a nurse breaks patient confidentiality by posting patient information on social media or sharing it with third parties without a patient’s consent, then that is a violation of HIPAA regulations (Storbauck, 2015). It also shows a lack of respect for the patient and the profession. Westrick (2016), points out that such a nurse also shows questionable ethical behavior in addition to a lack of commitment to a patient (who is the primary concern of every nurse) Professionalism and Social Media nursing essay.

Areas of my social media activity that reflect Christianity

As I mentioned earlier, most of my social media activity revolves around encouraging people on Christian Facebook pages. The Bible admonishes us to be our brother’s keepers. We have been called to be the light of the world and more so, in these latter days when false teachings abide. One specific example is when a person posts and asks for prayers for healing and the responses to such a post are met with hundreds of ‘Amen’ responses. When I see such posts, I always write a private message to the person asking for specifics on the illness. Once I get a response, I give the person possible causes of the illness and possible diagnosis. I also advise the person to seek medical help asserting that even in faith; we still need to take action. I quote the miracle that Jesus performed in John 9:1-12 when He used mud to heal a blind man and asked him to go wash at the pool. The man had to take action for the miracle to be completed. In the same way, as a nurse, I encourage people to take action to obtain their healing. Professionalism and Social Media nursing essay.

My social media activity that could be improved.

I like to write and I believe starting my blog or contributing as a guest writer in health niche blogs is a path worth pursuing. I can also start to upload informative nursing/healthcare videos on Facebook to educate my followers.

 

References

Emerson, C. (2017). Calling to Nursing. Advances in Nursing Science40(4), 384-394.

New International Version Bible John 9:1-12

Storbrauck, L. (2015). Mobile Device Use: Increasing Privacy and Security Awareness for Nurse Practitioners.

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