
What's on your Facebook page?
Last year, one of my daughters was searching for her first “real” job. She bought a suit (a skirt and tailored jacket). She borrowed my briefcase, polished her shoes, and doubled-checked resume and references.
When I asked her if she had checked her Facebook page for any content that might be misconstrued by a future employer she assured me she already had it covered.
My daughter is now gainfully employed (yeah!). Since she works at a high school, she continues to be careful about what she posts on Facebook. She knows that not only can supervisors view her page, but her students can too.
There are…
Texting and the Internet
Working for NCSBN has given me a completely different perspective about nursing and the types of discipline issues that boards of nursing face every day. For instance…
But this isn’t just happening in work settings… I work out regularly, and there are signs posted all over the locker room informing us not to use cell phones. But I still see people using their cell phones in the locker room. I’d like to think they are just talking, but it still freaks me out.
Professionalism and nursing ethics
Most nursing programs incorporate some aspect of professionalism into the introductory courses and then there is usually a capstone course where the issue is revisited. Hopefully, as you progress through your nursing programs, you observe your instructors modeling professional and ethical behavior.
In my experience, students are quick to pick up on ethical lapses or less-than-professional behaviors of others. On ther other hand, I bet it may not have occurred to some of your instructors that students or staff nurses are sending or uploading photographs or personal details about clients. I know it was a "dooh" moment for me when I realized that others are actually doing this type of thing.
Some motherly advice...
So when you are looking for your first nursing job, remember to check your Facebook page for anything that could be used to prevent you from getting (or keeping) a job. Please be sensitive to the ethical concerns of patients and their families and friends. Respect the privacy of others. Treat others as you would like others to treat you.
Now it’s your turn!
What do you think would help students become professional and ethical nurses?
To comment on this blog, simply click on the title of the blog, then scroll down to the bottom of the page. You'll be able to give a rating or leave a comment.
I look forward to hearing from you!
— Sue, RN





Hello and welcome! I have been a registered nurse in the state of Illinois for over 25 years. I graduated from Northern Illinois University with a BS in Nursing in 1982 and later completed my MS in Nursing at Lewis University in 2002.
Over the course of my career, I have ventured down many avenues of the nursing profession – with 10 years as a hospital nurse, working as an elementary school nurse, and many years as a nursing and nurse assistant educator and administrator. Read more