1. Social Media Guidelines for Nursing Students
Kara Nieders
Image of Nursing Director
2017

2. Think Before You Post!
Now that we have entered into the world of nursing, we are called to be professional, even in our private lives- this includes social media platforms. You represent the SDSU School of Nursing, as well as the future of the nursing profession!

3. Common Social Media Platforms
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Linked In
Snapchat
Youtube
Pinterest
Tumblr
Anyone can screenshot your snap chats/stories…
There is really nothing fake about a “Finsta”

4. What NOT to Post Inappropriate Photos/Content Offensive language
Drugs, Sex, Wild Partying
Offensive language
Rude comments, cyber bullying, insensitive language
Patient Information, violation of privacy & confidentiality
HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
Inappropriate mention of hospitals, work conditions, clinical experiences
Personal Information
Phone number, address, location, vacation plans

5. A Few Examples
Instagram captioned: “Man vs 6Train… The After”
In 2014, a New York RN was fired for posting an insensitive photo of the Emergency Room on Instagram, although technically HIPAA was not violated
Probably not what a future employer wants to see on your Facebook page

6. Potential Consequences
Employers will search your profile
According to a recent Careerbuilder survey, “70 percent of employers are snooping candidates’ social media profiles”
Loss of current job/potential job offers
Violation of HIPAA can result in fines, and even jail time
One “silly” mistake could negatively affect your reputation in healthcare forever

7. Social Media Do’s  Google yourself
Clean up your profiles  Even if your posts are appropriate, you may be tagged in photos that you wish to be removed
Keep accounts on highest privacy settings
Have a professional profile picture and description
Promote your positive accomplishments
Create a professional Linked IN profile for networking purposes only- rather than using personal sites like Facebook

8. Final Thoughts… What is YOUR positive image of Nursing going to be?