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The following documentation from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) addresses the concerns of the use of social media in nursing:“The use of social media and other electronic communication is increasing exponentially with growing numbers of social media outlets, platforms and applications, including blogs, social networking sites, video sites, and online chat rooms and forums. Nurses often use electronic media both personally and professionally. ..To understand the limits of appropriate use of social media, it is important to have a clear understanding of confidentiality and privacy in the health care context…Privacy relates to the expectation and right to be treated with dignity and respect…Breaches of patient confidentiality or privacy can be intentional or inadvertent and can occur in a variety of ways…Instances of inappropriate use of social and electronic media may be reported to the Board of Nursing…If allegations are found to be true, the nurse may face disciplinary action by the Board of Nursing, including a reprimand or sanction assessment of a monetary fine, or temporary or permanent loss of licensure” (NCSBN, Social Media White Paper, 2011

“"Social media can benefit health care in a variety of ways, including fostering professional connections, promoting timely communication with patients and family members, and educating and informing consumers and health care professionals. Social media provides nurses with a way to express their feelings, and reflect or seek support from friends, colleagues, peers or virtually anyone on the Internet. Journaling and reflective practice are recognized as effective tools in nursing practice, and the Internet provides an alternative media for nurses to engage in these helpful activities. Without a sense of caution, however, these understandable needs and potential benefits may result in the nurse disclosing too much information, and violating patient privacy and confidentiality." ” (NCSBN, A Nurse’s Guide to the Use of Social Media, 2018).

Student Responsibilities in the Use of Social Media

Students are responsible to be fully aware of inappropriate use (intentional or inadvertent) of social media. Nursing students are expected to maintain professionalism by showing awareness and caution when using social media, at all times, as it relates to the context of healthcare, healthcare organizations, the interprofessional healthcare team, classmates, nursing faculty, the School of Nursing, and the University of Northwestern – St. Paul. (See NCSBN’s White Paper: A Nurse’s Guide to the Use of Social Media).

Instances of inappropriate use of social and electronic media will be reported to the Chief Nurse Administrator, who will conduct an investigation to substantiate the complaint, including a review of evidence and interviews with witnesses and/or involved parties. The individual(s), subject to the complaint, may or may not be included in this process at the discretion of the Chief Nurse Administrator. All reported instances will be handled on a case-by-case basis, considering the particular nature of the complaint and potential breech of professionalism, confidentiality, and/or privacy issues.

The Chief Nurse Administrator will impose possible actions, including but not limited to, dismissal from the nursing program or nursing course, or other intermediary corrective actions. The Chief Nurse Administrator may dismiss the case for lack of substantiation or for other reasons. Please refer to related policies on student dismissal and probationary policies.