Do nurses have a responsibility to keep their Facebook professional?

[Bortaz]

I am "Facebook friends" with a large number of my nursing peers. I am often quite surprised at the behavior I see exhibited by them in so public a place.

I see:

1. Lots and lots of foul language/inappropriate pics, etc.

2. Lots and lots of "oh, man, I'm so wasted right now...bout to go to the next bar!!!"

3. Lots and lots of TMI about relationships, affairs, drunkeness, fights, whatever.

On their FB profile, they have it proudly posted that they are "Registered Nurse at So-and-so Hospital", or "Proud PEDI Nurse!" or "School nurse at Ur Dum Akadimy".

I cringe sometimes when I see some of this stuff, and think to myself "what would their employer think?" or, "Hope they're not interviewing soon with a computer-adept manager".

I try to keep my social media as clean as I can, and don't flaunt any of my bad habits for the world to see.

But, what do you think? Do nurses have a responsibility to maintain a professional demeanor on their (supposedly) private social media sites?

Another possibility: Am I an old fart?

[Hygiene Queen]

But I'm just so damned good looking!

You guys crack me up...

Though I should really update my hairdo...

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

The photog wanted to do a retake on my pic, but I just couldn't sit there anymore.

[sweetlilguppy]

Because it wasn't ON his Facebook. That guy made it EVERYONE'S business when he commented on a local newspaper article as his name, "Registered Pharmacist at Yickety Yak Yak Medical Center in Pueblo, Colorado." And it was a little more than checking in at a bar or posting a picture holding a margarita. He was spewing multiple vile comments and making threats towards a particular segment of society. Frankly he sounded mentally unbalanced, and I wondered if they wished to have their name associated with that sort of behavior.

Ok, I guess I didn't catch the newspaper part. Sorry about that. I suppose I should read more thoroughly before opening my trap. :)

[anotherone, BSN, RN]

Unless you make your living out of your views, whether they are offensive to most or not , maybe you should just keep everything to yourself. Co workers or not. An ex friend, mother, father, ex bf/gf, wife, husband is just as likely to air you dirty laudry, as a co-worker .... What about that? So much stuff is subjective. WHat is an offensive picture to one is not offensive to some. Going to bars in your scrubs ( remember that post) to some is disgraceful, others don't bat an eyelash at that.

My own opinion is that your job, especially a NURSING JOB, doesn't own you. Teachers, nurses, police men, military members, pt/ot, drs go drinking, maybe even cross dress. Has little to do with whether they can do their job or not.

And why would you ever "friend" your boss. that is just asking for trouble. the less they know, the better. lol

[nursejoan1]

I say stop worrying so much about what other people do. You are wasting negative energy on something that is none of your business in the first place. It's their journey not yours. And please don't say it makes all nurses look bad. That is an over generalization and if you are a good nurse and keep your side of the street clean it just won't matter. Worrying about what they do, or how they act is a waste of your time and energy and will only make you resentful and angry. Focus your positive energy on good things and good thoughts and life will be so much better!20 minutes ago - Like - 2

[sweetlilguppy]

well said!

[DeLana_RN, BSN, RN]

Although my avator is really not me (honestly), I find myself becoming more and more cautious about my posts here (and my profile has become increasingly vague over the years). We're all (well, most of us anyway) real nurses here, and not too long ago I recognized a nurse I used to work with based on what she posted about.

So yes, you can't be too cautious on any board.

As for FB: I just don't do it

[Do-over, ASN, RN]

best looking honey badger I've ever seen.

From what I've heard, however... Honey Badger don't care.

[destinedtobea]

Great post. I totally agree that some information posted on the WWW should not be out in cyberspace. I totally disagree that you are an old fart Bortaz, RN. Behind a monitor and on a key board 'some' believe they are invisible, however I believe what we post may be a reflection of our Character, Integrity, Class, Judgement, Misconceptions, Fears, Mental well-being and the list goes on and on. I only post inspirational, witty or heart felt status updates. I do not expect everyone to do and feel the same as I do, but I believe for some people Less is More. To those that do not mind posting any and every thought, feeling or peek into their social lives, unfortunately we are judged by the company we keep, the people we keep company with and our most private thought are great to remain just that...Private. This is only my opinion; I could be an old fart!

[sherrynichols]

This is tricky thing. If you are posting where you work then your employer has the right to look and see what you are posting. If you do not post where you work then one has the right to post anything they want. I occassionaly will post myself with a frozen drink but my kids have access to what i post and I do not post anything that i would not say in front of them!

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

I totally disagree that you are an old fart Bortaz

Ahhh, thanks!

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

I occassionaly will post myself with a frozen drink

Posting a pic of yourself having a frozen drink is far different from what I was addressing in my original post. There is a wide gulf between posting as you do, and posting clearly over-the-top (likely inappropriate) images and statuses.