Social media use by nurses can raise several ethical concerns. Here are two significant ones:

1. Patient Privacy and Confidentiality

• Sharing identifiable patient information: Posting photos, videos, or stories about patients online, even if faces are blurred, can potentially breach their privacy. Information like diagnoses, treatments, or even room numbers can be enough to identify individuals.
• Oversharing unprofessional details: Nurses might share details about a patient’s case, even without names, that could be pieced together to identify them. This includes specifics about diagnoses, unusual treatments, or even emotional states.

2. Maintaining Professionalism

• Inappropriate content: Nurses should avoid posting anything online that could damage the profession’s image. This includes discriminatory remarks, venting about patients or colleagues, or unprofessional photos/videos.
• Blurring boundaries: Social media can blur the lines between professional and personal life. Friending patients online or engaging in overly familiar communication can compromise trust and professionalism.

These are just two potential ethical issues. Nurses must be mindful of the permanent nature of online content and the potential consequences for patient privacy and professional reputation.