Social Media And Networking Platforms

The Newfoundland and Labrador College of Nurses¹ is the regulatory body for all nurses in the province. The mandate of the College is to protect the public through regulation of the nursing profession in accordance with the Nurses Act.

Nurses are responsible to understand their professional, ethical, and legal obligations to protect the public, and to maintain conduct that reflects trustworthiness and integrity. As communication increasingly occurs through social media and networking platforms (e.g., Facebook, X, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, iMessage, BeReal) these obligations extend fully into online environments.

Nurses are required to adhere to their professional standards² and other legal and regulatory requirements related to privacy and confidentiality, communication, and professionalism regardless of whether social medial use is of a personal or professional nature. Social medial can blur boundaries, amplify messages rapidly, and create permanent records of what is shared. Because of these risks, nurses must be intentional and vigilant in how they engage online, ensuring their actions do not compromise client information, workplace integrity, or public trust.

Nurses are expected to maintain professional boundaries in all interactions. Nurses practice within a therapeutic relationship; the purpose of which is always in the interest of helping the client achieve their optimal level of health. Nurses must understand that inappropriate or unprofessional use of social media or other networking platforms can negatively impact the therapeutic nurse-client relationship, have legal implications, and lead to findings of unprofessional conduct resulting in disciplinary action.

Considerations for nurses in the use of social media or other networking platforms:

• Know the benefits and risks of using social media.
• Know the technology and have the skills and judgements to use it appropriately.
• Reflect on the intent and possible consequences of your online behaviour.
• Maintain the same level of professionalism in online interactions as you do in face-to-face interactions.
• Maintain professional boundaries. It is the nurse’s responsibility to know and manage the boundaries of the nurse-client relationship.
• Do not share client information. Simply leaving out details when you post information or images does not protect client privacy or confidentiality.
• Report privacy or confidentiality breaches to the right person, immediately.
• Use proper communication channels to discuss, report and resolve workplace issues.
• Adhere to employer policies in the use of social media and other networking platforms, photography, and technology.
• Use caution in identifying yourself online as a nurse. Others may ask for advice, which could lead to initiating a nurse-client relationship.
• Use caution in any on-line commentary, recognizing the trust and respect that the public has in health professionals.
• Recognize that liking and sharing someone’s comments or images is not much different than posting them yourself.
• Recognize that posting anonymously or under a pseudonym does not protect you against the possible consequences of conduct deserving of sanction.
• Pause before you post.