workforce
As an ever-increasing number of nurses embrace social media, they should not forget that the nature and content of their posts must not breach the professionalism expected of them.
A recent Canadian nurses’ disciplinary tribunal hearing investigated the online social media conduct of a nurse( CS). She initially posted negative comments on her Facebook page about the standard of care her grandfather was receiving. In doing so she named the health facility. Further, from her Facebook page it was clear CS was a member of the nursing profession. CS was found guilty of professional misconduct. While the judgement originates from overseas, it has direct relevance to Australia.
CS had a grandfather who was being cared for in a nursing home some three and a half hours from where she lived. CS did not work in her grandfather`s nursing home facility. Due to the distance and time taken to visit, her visitations were infrequent and spasmodic. In any event, CS was critical of the standard and level
A frustrated nurse posts on social media about a matter unrelated to her workplace and is found guilty of misconduct.
By Scott Trueman of care being provided to her relative. She posted, among other things, the following three posts on Facebook:
“ It is evident that Not Everyone is“ up to speed” on how to approach end of life care … Or how to help maintain an Ageing Senior’ s Dignity( among other things!) So … I challenge the people involved in decision making with that facility, to please get All Your Staff a refresher on this topic AND More. [ To ] those who made last years less than desirable, Please Do Better Next Time! [ And ] a caution to anyone that has loved ones at the facility mentioned above: keep an eye on things and report anything you Do Not Like! That’ s the only way to get some things to change.”
“ And this has been an ongoing struggle with the often subpar care given to [ named patient ]( especially) for many years now … Hence my effort to bring more public attention to it( As not much else seems to be working). As an RN and avid health care advocate myself, I just HAVE to speak up! Whatever reasons / excuses people give for not giving quality care, I Do Not Care. It. Just. Needs. To. Be. Fixed. And NOW!”
“ Do you actually care about the people you WORK FOR / Care For? Or is it JUST A JOB, WITH A PAYCHEQUE? … If so, maybe it’ s time to take a step back. Either way I just want [ named facility ]( and everyone else in that facility) to be treated well, ALWAYS!”
When the posts came to the attention of management, they made a written complaint to the relevant nurses` board, stating:
“ Despite [ CS`s ] concerns regard( sic), we find it unprofessional in that it specifically names our facility and location on page one then she identifies herself as a RN on page three. With previous [ Nursing Board ] instructions and caution warnings to all members about appropriate use of social media, we find her posting inappropriate. Our staff are very upset about the public posting as there were many factors involved in caring for [ named patient ], especially, of which [ CS ] is unaware. Regardless of this fact there are proper channels to air grievances and concerns which do NOT include Facebook. Even nursing registration exam questions address use of social media by registered nurses. To us, a letter from her to our facility staff would have been a professional avenue to follow not Facebook.”
The tribunal found two aggravating issues concerning CS`s behaviour / position. The first was via her Twitter account,
32 agedcareinsite. com. au