Navigating Nursing Etiquette in the Social Media Age: The Tension Between Virality and Patient Care
Social media has transformed nearly every aspect of modern life, and the nursing profession is no exception. While it provides valuable opportunities for education, networking, and advocacy, it also raises ethical concerns—especially regarding professionalism and patient care. The conversation around social media use in nursing often highlights a generational divide, with new nurses embracing digital platforms as an integral part of their careers, while seasoned nurses maintain a more traditional, patient-centered approach. In many cases, some new nurses prioritize online engagement, sometimes at the expense of nursing etiquette and the essence of patient care.
Please note I am comparing the platforms and resources available to new nurses with those provided to seasoned nurses. Not all new nurses lack traditional values. Unfortunately, some professionals can tarnish the reputation of their field.
The Difference Between Harmful and Educational Nursing Content
A bad social media post might involve a new nurse recording a TikTok video while on duty, joking about a patient’s condition or sharing confidential details—even if unintentionally. For example, a nurse might post a video captioned, "When your patient refuses their meds for the third time today—guess we’re playing doctor roulette!" While meant to be humorous, this type of content can be perceived as unprofessional, insensitive, and a violation of patient trust.
In contrast, The Real TraumaRN76 exemplifies responsible social media use by sharing educational nursing content. Their TikTok videos focus on real-world nursing scenarios, offering insights into trauma care, emergency procedures, and professional advice. Instead of seeking viral fame, they prioritize knowledge-sharing, helping nurses and healthcare workers improve their skills while maintaining ethical standards.
By following the example of seasoned nurses like The Real TraumaRN76, new nurses can use social media as a tool for learning rather than distraction, ensuring that their online presence aligns with the core values of nursing etiquette and patient care.
Going Viral vs. Patient Care: Where Should the Focus Be?
While social media can be a valuable asset in healthcare, nurses, especially those new to the field—must strike a balance between online influence and patient-centered care. Nursing etiquette dictates that professionalism, ethical decision-making, and patient safety should always take precedence.
To prevent social media distractions from interfering with care, new nurses should:
- Set boundaries: Avoid sharing patient-related content and focus on educational posts that uphold professional standards.
- Prioritize learning over visibility: Engage with seasoned nurses and mentors to gain insights and knowledge beyond what is showcased online.
- Follow institutional guidelines: Most healthcare institutions have policies on social media use—adhering to these ensure good ethical practice.
The Role of Social Media in Nursing
Social media can be a powerful tool for nurses, allowing them to:
- Share healthcare insights and experiences
- Build professional connections
- Advocate for policy changes
- Educate the public on health-related topics
However, when misused, it can compromise patient privacy, professionalism, and the fundamental principles of nursing ethics. A nurse’s primary responsibility is to provide compassionate, effective care, but the lure of social media virality can sometimes overshadow this commitment.
New Nurses vs. Seasoned Nurses: A Shift in Priorities
One of the major differences between new nurses and seasoned nurses in the discussion of social media use lies in their perception of professionalism.
New Nurses and Social Media Culture
New nurses, often raised in a digital era, see social media as an extension of their personal and professional identities. Many use platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter (X) to document their nursing journey, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses of their work. While this can help humanize the profession and inspire future nurses, it can also lead to ethical challenges, including:
- Breaches of patient confidentiality: Posting images, videos, or personal anecdotes about patients—even with their faces blurred—can violate privacy laws.
- Prioritizing engagement over care: The pressure to create content can distract from the core responsibilities of nursing, leading some to place a higher value on online recognition than patient outcomes.
- Risking professionalism: Casual or humorous content about serious medical conditions can be perceived as insensitive or unethical.
Seasoned Nurses and Traditional Ethics
Seasoned nurses, on the other hand, tend to uphold more traditional views on nursing etiquette. They prioritize the bedside presence of nursing over the digital presence. Many are cautious about sharing their professional experiences online, believing that patient care should remain personal and private rather than publicly displayed. Their concerns about social media include:
- Maintaining professional boundaries: Long-standing nurses emphasize the importance of separating personal and professional lives, ensuring that social media use does not interfere with ethical responsibilities.
- Upholding nursing values: They stress that nursing is built on patient trust, empathy, and direct communication—qualities that social media does not always enhance.
- Avoiding distractions: Some seasoned nurses argue that social media engagement diverts attention from essential nursing duties, potentially affecting the quality of care.
Conclusion
Social media has undeniably reshaped the nursing profession, bringing both opportunities and challenges. While new nurses embrace online presence, seasoned nurses remain cautious about the implications on professionalism and patient care. Ultimately, nursing etiquette should reflect commitment to ethical practice, ensuring that the focus remains on providing safe, compassionate, and competent care rather than achieving social media fame.
That said, let’s not forget the nurse comedians who use TikTok to inject some much-needed humor into the profession! Many nurses create lighthearted skits about the daily chaos of hospital life—no actual patients involved, of course. From reenacting the infamous "Code Brown" situations to poking fun at the universal struggle of finding a bladder scanner, these videos provide a comedic escape from the pressures of nursing without crossing ethical lines.
Humor has long been a coping mechanism in healthcare, and as long as it's done professionally and responsibly, it can be a welcome relief for nurses. After all, sometimes the best medicine isn’t just what’s administered via IV—it’s laughter, shared among colleagues who truly understand the challenges of the job.
By fostering awareness, professionalism, and even a little well-placed humor, nurses can harness the power of social media without compromising their essential role in healthcare.
Author Bio
Kimberly Ward, MPH, B.S.H.A., LPN, is a dedicated healthcare professional with 23 years of nursing experience across diverse medical settings. With 15 years as an emergency room nurse, she has honed her skills in acute care and crisis intervention. Driven by a passion for advancing patient care and medical research, she earned a Master’s in Public Health to further contribute to healthcare innovation and advocacy. To further contact email nursekimmie1969@gmail.com
References
American Nurses Association. (2021). Social media and nurses: Ethical considerations. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org
Chamberlain, J. (2020). The impact of social media on nursing professionalism: A generational perspective. Journal of Nursing Ethics, 27(3), 215-230. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733020913087
Ferguson, C., & Jackson, D. (2019). Nurses and social media: The good, the bad, and the ugly. Contemporary Nurse, 55(4), 345-356. https://doi.org/10.1080/10376178.2019.1687678
National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2018). A nurse’s guide to social media use. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org
Spector, N., & Kappel, D. (2019). Guidelines for nurses on social media use: Balancing professionalism and engagement. Nursing Management, 26(5), 12-18. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.0000554567.98765.ef
