The Future of Nurses in the TikTok Era

In recent years, social media platforms like TikTok have become increasingly popular among healthcare workers, including nurses. However, the use of social media during working hours, especially in patient-focused settings, has posed significant concerns for both patients and healthcare providers.

Many nurses have faced disciplinary actions, including termination, for posting videos or photos of patients or inappropriate content while at work. The most common complaint about nurses’ use of social media is that they violate patients’ privacy and confidentiality.

While social media use can be tempting for healthcare professionals to share their experiences and connect with others in the field, it is essential to remember that HIPAA laws protect patients’ privacy and medical information. By posting videos or photos of patients, even without sharing their names, nurses can unintentionally reveal sensitive information about their diagnoses, treatments, or conditions, which violate HIPAA regulations.

In one well-publicized incident, two Navy nurses were removed from their posts after they made a TikTok video showing them dancing in front of a newborn baby. While the nurses claimed the baby was not harmed, the incident raised serious concerns about patient privacy and professionalism in healthcare settings.

Besides violating patients’ privacy, social media can also harm a nurse’s reputation and credibility by sharing inappropriate content. Inappropriate content includes offensive language, discriminatory remarks, or unprofessional behavior, which can damage a nurse’s reputation and credibility to provide quality care to patients.

For instance, in 2019, a nurse from Kansas was fired from her job after she posted a racist comment about a patient on Facebook, stating that his wounds were too severe to heal because he “had no legs.” Her actions caused significant outrage amongst social media users and showcased how inappropriate content can harm a nurse’s image and reputation.

Moreover, social media use during working hours can also distract nurses from performing their duties and negatively impact patients' care. Nurses can become distracted from their responsibilities, leading to mistakes in medication administration or documentation, which can lead to adverse health outcomes for patients.

In some instances, nurses also use social media to vent their frustrations about their work environment or colleagues, which can harm team dynamics and workplace morale. Negative comments about patients, their families, or co-workers can create an unhealthy work culture, leading to reduced productivity, increased stress, and higher staff turnover rates.

To reduce the risks associated with social media use during working hours, many hospitals and healthcare organizations have implemented strict policies and guidelines for their employees. These policies typically restrict nurses from using social media to share any patient-related information or photos, and they also prohibit any inappropriate content that could harm their reputation or professionalism.

However, some nurses argue that social media can act as a positive influence to spread awareness of the nursing profession and promote healthy discussions about healthcare issues. Some nurses use social media platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram to share their experiences, thoughts, and opinions on healthcare-related topics, such as mental health, patient care, and health policy.

In conclusion, nurses’ use of social media during working hours can have significant repercussions for both their patients and their careers. While social media can be useful in promoting the nursing profession, nurses must remember that they are held to a high standard of professionalism, privacy, and ethical conduct. Nurses need to comply with their organization's social media policies and avoid posting any inappropriate content that could potentially harm their patients, workplace, and reputation. Ultimately, nurses must prioritize their patients' needs over their online presence when at work.