Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Considering Social Media Policies for Nursing Education Programs

Diane Skiba wrote a wonderful article in Nursing Education Perspective earlier this year.  The article is available at http://www.faqs.org/periodicals/201103/2343728661.html

Nursing education programs and other organizations should consider adopting a social media policy.  When  a group of college students were polled about the Facebook posting a a nursing student in uniform holding up a placenta - half of the students saw no problem with the posting.  That sentiment did change after some discussion. 

Of course, the story about Representive Weiner's Tweets sheds light on the implications of inappropriate postings. The difference between Rep. Weiner and nursing students is striking.  He is much older and knew what he was doing was not a societal norm.  The students are just gaining real world experience.

Education about the use and inappropriate use of social media is crucial to the successful implimentation of a policy to guide users.

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