Social Media Review and Nursing Professionalism
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Social Media Review and Nursing Professionalism
Introduction
In a recent review of my social media presence, I have discerned several online publications and dialogues that may be deemed unsuitable in light of the esteemed ethical principles governing the nursing profession. These transgressions encompassed breaches of patient confidentiality, derogatory comments regarding professional peers, and the dissemination of objectionable comedic material. As a nurse, it is imperative to uphold a standard of conduct that aligns with the values inherent in the nursing profession. This commitment is of utmost importance as it serves to foster trust among patients, guarantee compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), adhere to ethical principles, and project a favorable and respectable professional image.
Patient Privacy Violation
One of the disconcerting revelations unearthed during the scrutiny of social media platforms was a post wherein I inadvertently divulged the identity and medical background of a patient whilst engaging in a discourse about their therapeutic regimen. The aforementioned actions manifest a conspicuous transgression of patient confidentiality and contravene the HIPAA (Seh et al., 2020). Ensuring the utmost reverence for patient confidentiality, even within the realm of online discourse, stands as an imperative facet in upholding the bond of trust with both patients and professional peers.
Disparaging Remarks and Professional Image
Engaging in derogatory discourse and expressing unfavorable sentiments regarding arduous work days and colleagues, as well as superiors, poses a significant detriment to the esteemed standing of the nursing vocation. Adherence to ethical tenets encompassing reverence and camaraderie is imperative in cultivating an environment that is constructive and nurturing (Nouri et al., 2019). The proliferation of adverse content on various social media platforms has the potential to significantly impair the reputation of the nursing profession and undermine the confidence that the general public places in healthcare practitioners.
Offensive Humor and Ethical Considerations
The dissemination of memes or jokes that rely on stereotypes or offensive humor serves to undermine the overarching objective of delivering inclusive and empathetic healthcare to individuals from all walks of life. Nurses adhere to a set of ethical principles, including the principles of autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence. It is important to note that consuming or participating in harmful content goes against these fundamental values (Haddad & Geiger, 2022). To uphold the tenets of Christian ethics, it is imperative to actively advocate for the dissemination of edifying and compassionate content, while simultaneously abstaining from the propagation of offensive or injurious material.
The Importance of Maintaining Trust and HIPAA Compliance
The significance of upholding trust and adhering to HIPAA compliance in the context of nursing cannot be overstated. Nurses bear the weighty responsibility of safeguarding confidential patient data, and the preservation of trust among patients, colleagues, and society at large is of paramount importance. Ensuring the preservation of patient confidentiality on social media platforms is of utmost importance to circumvent any plausible legal and ethical ramifications that may arise as a consequence of transgressing the HIPAA guidelines (Ahmed et al., 2020; ANA Center for Ethics and Human Rights, 2015). Revealing any form of patient data, even when rendered anonymous, can potentially result in grave consequences.
Showcasing Christian Values on Social Media
To harmonize with the Christian ethos of benevolence and understanding towards every individual, nurses possess the capacity to employ social media as a medium for exhibiting Christian principles, thereby exemplifying qualities such as benevolence, understanding, and attentiveness towards the entirety of humanity. Through the dissemination of optimistic and edifying material, individuals possess the capacity to extend solace and motivation to those confronted with adversities, thereby fostering a climate of hope and solidarity. The active pursuit of engaging with a wide range of perspectives and exhibiting genuine empathy serves to cultivate an environment of inclusivity and forge a sense of unity among individuals (Grand Canyon University, 2019). Nurses possess the capacity to engage in the dissemination of knowledge to the general populace regarding matters about health, thereby fostering consciousness and making a valuable contribution to the overall welfare of their virtual community.
The act of emphasizing instances of benevolence and engagement in communal endeavors serves as a prime illustration of the Christian principle of demonstrating concern and compassion towards fellow individuals (Grand Canyon University, 2019). The act of extending prayers and providing spiritual support engenders a profound sense of cohesion and solace for individuals who are actively seeking solace and solace alone. In essence, nurses possess a distinctive and unparalleled occasion to disseminate Christian principles through the medium of social media, thereby engendering a constructive influence upon their viewership and fortifying their unwavering commitment to both their religious convictions and vocation.
Conclusion
In summation, nurses must uphold a professional and ethical demeanor when engaging in the realm of social media. Exercising linguistic mindfulness, abstaining from divulging confidential patient narratives, and refraining from disseminating offensive or injurious material are pivotal measures in upholding the tenets of professionalism. By harmonizing the digital endeavors of nurses on social media platforms with the noble principles of Christianity, such as empathy and respect, they have the potential to cultivate a constructive and influential online presence that mirrors their unwavering dedication to the well-being of patients and the esteemed vocation of nursing.
References
Ahmed, W., Jagsi, R., Gutheil, T. G., & Katz, M. S. (2020). Public Disclosure on Social Media of Identifiable Patient Information by Health Professionals: Content Analysis of Twitter Data. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(9), e19746. https://doi.org/10.2196/19746
ANA Center for Ethics and Human Rights. (2015). American Nurses Association Position Statement on PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY. https://www.nursingworld.org/~4ad4a8/globalassets/docs/ana/position-statement-privacy-and-confidentiality.pdf
Grand Canyon University. (2019, March 6). Combining Christian Values With Your Health Care Career. GCU. https://www.gcu.edu/blog/medical-studies-sciences/combining-christian-values-your-health-care-career
Haddad, L. M., & Geiger, R. A. (2022, August 22). Nursing ethical considerations. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526054/
Nouri, A., Sanagoo, A., Jouybari, L., & Taleghani, F. (2019). Challenges of respect as promoting healthy work environment in nursing: A qualitative study. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 8(261). https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_125_19
Seh, A. H., Zarour, M., Alenezi, M., Sarkar, A. K., Agrawal, A., Kumar, R., & Khan, R. A. (2020). Healthcare Data Breaches: Insights and Implications. Healthcare, 8(2), 133. NCBI. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare8020133