Professionalism in the context of Social Media

When considering the use of social media in the context of my profession as a Registered Nurse, it is important to consider a number of factors.  First is the accountability to the organization I work for when it comes to both personal or professional social media accounts.  Second is the accountability I have to my professional college, for me this is the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).  Finally, is the consideration of what type of identity or values do I want to convey when I am posting to either personal or professional accounts. 

My employer has a Social Media policy, which clearly outlines the expected parameters when posting in a forum that would associate me with the organization in any way.  They acknowledge that “Emerging platforms for online communication and collaboration are fundamentally changing the way work is done, offering new ways to engage with patients, colleagues, and the world at large.  It’s a new model for interaction and can help build stronger ties with the community and provide greater access to our organization”1.  In short, social media can have a positive impact when used responsibly.  Sharing the content that has been thoughtfully created by our organization about the services and programs available to the community should not be confused with offering personal advice to accessing that care.  The policy also indicates the same expectations exist for employees whether their account is private or public, and that responsibilities include adhering to our Code of Conduct, Privacy Policy, and aligning with our Mission, Vision and Values.  As such, regardless of what type of account I might have (personal, professional, private or public), there is an expectation that I will conduct myself in a professional manner when engaging in any forum.

As a Registered Nurse I am affiliated with the College of Nurses of Ontario.  The primary role of the CNO is to “Protect the Public by Promoting Safe Nursing Practice”2 and that when it comes to social media that “there are principles that nurses need to pay attention to in order to reduce risks to members of the public”3 The CNO provides more guidance in the form of a Position Statement specific to social media for its members in collaboration with the International Nurse Regulator Collaborative.  This position is to inform only, and is not a true professional standard.  In the position statement, they speak to nine elements to consider when engaging in social media platforms: Benefits & Risks, Professional Image, Confidentiality, Privacy, Boundaries, Expectations, Integrity, Employer Policies and Accountability.  Essentially that the conduct expected of a nurse in the physical workplace is the same as the expectation in any virtual forum.  They are also clear that CNO members should have separate personal and professional accounts. 

This is where the idea of a professional identity can be applied to any type of online social media presence to ensure the content being posted, or engaged in is not in contradiction to the expectations outlined above.  I am a Registered Nurse at all times, not some of the time, and so the expectations of my employer and my college should apply to all social media interaction.  As a RN I value privacy and confidentiality.  I also recognize the importance of professional boundaries and being accountable for my actions if they were to ever be reviewed by my employer or my college.  If I maintain my values when engaging in online forums, and uphold my identity as a RN, then I can expect to align with the policies and expectations that are set for me, ensuring my social media presence is positive for me, and those with who I engage.

1.       (2018, January 4) Hamilton Health Sciences, PR&C – Social Media Policy

2.       (2024) Retrieved from https://www.cno.org/

3.     incr-social-media-use-common-expectations-for-nurses.pdf (2016, December) Retrieved from International Nurse Regulator Collaborative – Position Statement, Social Media Use: Common Expectations for Nurses