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Social media has emerged as a critical tool for disseminating information, building communities, exchanging ideas, and staying in touch. When it comes to your job as a nurse or other health care professional, you undoubtedly use social media for a variety of reasons.

In order to protect your reputation as a healthcare provider, you should exercise caution while posting and sharing information on social media. In addition to connecting with patients and coworkers, social media may be utilized by hiring managers to assess if a candidate is a right match for the position.

Using Social Media by Nurses

Social media has had a major impact on the health care business during the last few years. In the United States, a 2013 survey found that 73% of patients used social media to communicate with their doctors and other health care professionals, and social media use and dependence continue to rise year after year.

It has become easier for patients to stay in touch with doctors and nurses via internet services and social media platforms. Websites that track health care indicators and rate health care professionals are everywhere on the internet. They also provide information on providers' locations and availability.

There is no shortage of social media tools for people to engage with their doctors and feel a sense of ownership over their care.

Social media and the field of nursing

There are numerous social media channels that can be utilized to spread health care information, build a following for your business, and promote a healthy way of life. Social media can be an effective tool for promoting better health care practices if used solely for professional purposes.

If you want to interact and connect with your co-workers, then using social media is a good idea. You can post everything from the most recent medical advancements and innovations to the most popular health care stories. You may wish to create a private, distinct account on platforms to use to stay in touch with family and friends, though.

Do's of Nursing Social Media

Social networking is a terrific tool to utilize to stay on top of tech and health care advancements and improvements. The sharing of discussion and networking opportunities is a common practice at many nursing schools via social media. Posting pertinent health care news is an excellent way for you to share your expertise as a nurse. You can also teach individuals who aren't in the profession by sharing your knowledge.

Positively Influence Others Through the Use of Social Media

It is a good idea for nurses to use social media to encourage and promote the profession. When others see you enjoying your work, they begin to form their own opinions. Someone else's motivation to serve others may be sparked by your own desire to do so.

Maintaining an Air of Serenity

You should always try to come out as a professional while communicating with someone via the internet. Wearing or posting anything on social media that you wouldn't say or do in a room with a patient is a bad idea. Your professional and personal lives are intertwined in your online personas.

Don't of Social Media

Patients' right to privacy and confidentiality is always in jeopardy when it comes to the sharing of information via social media. The most prevalent privacy infractions include posting videos and images of patients without their permission, making derogatory comments on social media, and disclosing too much information about the patient.

While using social media to provide information, healthcare workers must adhere to the standards and codes of conduct established by your workplace. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) ensures that patient information is protected when it is exchanged between healthcare providers (HIPAA).

Sharing medical records in an electronic format is subject to various legal restrictions, and nurses and doctors who do so must adhere to them. Medical professionals can more easily work together to improve patient care when data is exchanged in such a safe and convenient manner.

Remind yourself that social media usage should be kept to a minimum during your own personal time. Avoid using social media while you're working. As a further precaution, avoid using your employer's internet and always use your own.

During a shift, nurses need to stay engaged and productive. In a susceptible context, social media can lead to interruptions and distractions.

Conclusion

To help people live healthier lives and get better health care, nurses can use social media as an educational tool. Social media can have a positive impact on the health care business as a whole if used correctly.