as a room number or background identifiers— can violate HIPAA regulations and compromise patient privacy. Sharing confidential health information, even accidentally, is a serious ethical and legal violation that can jeopardize your career and licensure.
To review, HIPAA— the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act— is a federal law that protects individuals’ medical records and other personal health information. As student nurses, we are familiar with HIPAA in clinical settings, but we must also apply that knowledge to our digital behavior. Social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and Tik- Tok make it easy to overshare. To protect yourself and your patients, always double-check posts before publishing, avoid naming or showing patients in any context, and blur out any identifying features such as name badges or facility signage.
In addition to social media, online professionalism extends to virtual learning and professional development events. Webinars are increasingly common and offer excellent opportunities for nursing students to learn, network, and grow. NSNA hosts several webinars throughout the year, including the Leadership U Summer Summit, the Treasurer Certificate Program, and various sessions on membership, advocacy, and the image of nursing. Attending these webinars professionally is essential. This includes ensuring your device and internet connection are reliable, logging on a few minutes early, dressing appropriately, and participating actively.
Keeping your camera on, muting when not speaking, and being attentive throughout the session shows respect for presenters and enhances your learning experience. Asking thoughtful questions during Q & A segments is another great way to engage with the content and demonstrate professionalism.
LinkedIn, in particular, is a vital platform for developing your professional identity. Think of it as your online resume. A well-crafted LinkedIn profile includes a professional headshot, a short summary of your academic and career goals, details about your education and accomplishments, and any skills or certifications you ' ve acquired. You can post about your achievements, share articles or insights relevant to nursing, and connect with peers, mentors, and potential employers. LinkedIn makes it easier to find job opportunities, learn from others in the profession, and build long-term relationships in the healthcare community.
As student nurses, we are in a powerful position to shape how the nursing profession is perceived by the public and future generations. Our online presence should reflect the integrity, compassion, and leadership we strive to embody. Social media and online engagement can be fun, empowering, and inspiring— when used thoughtfully and professionally. By practicing good digital citizenship, we protect our patients, promote our profession, and foster a culture of excellence among nurses. Let’ s lead by example and encourage others to use these tools to uplift and advance the nursing profession.
References
Blau, A., Sela, Y., & Grinberg, K.( 2023). Public Perceptions and Attitudes on the Image of Nursing
in the Wake of COVID-19. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20( 6), 4717. https:// doi. org / 10.3390 / ijerph20064717
Wells, S. K.( 2024, February 19). Do’ s and don’ ts of social media use for nursing professionals.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. https:// www. aacn. org / blog / dos-and-donts-ofsocial-media-use-for-nursing-professionals
American Nurse.( 2022, January 1). Professionalism and professional identity. https:// www. myamericannurse. com / professionalism-and-professional-identity /
Bio
Lauren E. Tickner, is a nursing student at California State University Channel Islands in Camarillo, CA. She serves two terms as the NSNA Imprint Editor and chair, Image of Nursing Committee( 2024- 2025 and 2025-2026).
Reagann Mc- Vay is a nursing student at The University of Tennessee at Martin in Martin, TN. She served as NSNA Director( 2024-2025) and chair, of the Health Policy and Advocacy Committee.
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