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…

• No pictures that could be misconstrued as her holding an alcoholic beverage.
• No postings about wild and crazy parties.
• No inappropriate or offensive language.

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…

• Photos of patients — Nurses and nurses are texting and/or posting personal information on the Web about people for whom they are caring, including photographs and details about particularly sensitive cases(!)
• Personal info on blogs — Information that’s just too personal is posted about the blogger and/or others. Many people who respond to these discussion posts try to be helpful but rarely does anyone write, “Dude, TMI!” (too much information).

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?