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It is no surprise to learn that social media is becoming a larger component of our lives these days. With businesses relying more and more on forward-thinking business practices, it is more important than ever to think about the career possibilities that come along with social media. Whether you are fresh out of nursing school or are a seasoned professional, there are some best practices to keep in mind when with social media when it comes to your career. We are sharing five best practices for all of our nursing family today.
- Maintain professional privacy.
Even though some social media forums are considered ‘private,’ it is best to maintain the same level of privacy online that you do on the job. Patient privacy is of the utmost priority and that shouldn’t change once you clock out. Not only does this protect your patient’s, it also displays a wonderful professionalism to others who might be observing your conversations. - Find professional opportunities on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is one of the most professional level social media sites, but it is still a social site nonetheless. Maintaining your profile is important as potential employers are likely to read it when considering you as a candidate. LinkedIn can also be a great way to network and make professional connections, which can help now or in the future with your career path. - Advocate!
One of the best things about social media, is its unique ability to reach large numbers of people. As a healthcare professional, you are highly qualified and informed with knowing what areas of our healthcare system need improvement. Use these tools that are available to you to promote positive change. - Keep your reputation in mind.
With social media thriving in the times we live in, employers are more inclined to check up on potential candidates before making formal offers of employment. Make sure that you are not posting anything on your social media channels (even if they are “hidden!”) that you wouldn’t want your employer to see. This can have an affect on job offers and can adversely affect your career path if not handled properly. - Join nurse groups.
Consider joining some Facebook or LinkedIn groups with other healthcare professionals. These sites can be a great place to share ideas amongst your peers and can lead to positive change across the industry when done properly.