Some of the most-watched health content online comes from nurses. Some videos teach millions about health; others mock patients and have ended careers. Regulators and employers are still catching up.
The question: Should nurses post content about their work on social media?
The case for
- Nurses can counter misinformation with reliable, relatable health education.
- Content shows the reality of nursing and can inspire people to join the profession.
- Humour helps nurses cope and connect.
- Some nurses earn extra income and build careers as educators.
The case against
- Patient privacy can be breached even without names, through details or backgrounds.
- Mocking patients or filming during shifts damages trust in nurses.
- Viral videos can bring disciplinary action and online abuse.
- Wearing uniform implies you speak for your employer.
What the evidence says
Nursing regulators generally allow social media use but hold nurses to the same professional standards online as offline. Guidance from regulators such as the NMC and NCSBN warns against sharing patient information, posting from clinical areas and behaving unprofessionally in uniform.
The bottom line
Educational and respectful content can be good for nursing. Filming on duty, using patients as material, or ridiculing anyone is where most regulators draw the line.
Related: LinkedIn for nurses
Where do you stand? Tell us in the comments. We read every one, and the best answers may feature in a follow-up article.
Sources: Nursing and Midwifery Council, Guidance on using social media responsibly; NCSBN, A nurse’s guide to the use of social media.
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