Being friends with residents on Facebook

Published

Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

Are any of you friends with residents on Facebook? I am not but have noticed that some of my Facebook friends are friends with a resident at a facility I used to work at. I know this particular resident. She's long term, young, and likes to cause trouble. I really have a problem with this. Any comments?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Pediatric Float, PICU, NICU.

I do not work LTC, but even in my years of pediatric experience I have encountered many coworkers who were Facebook friends with patients/parents, especially for our chronic patients, Hem-Onc kids, cardiac kids, etc. I firmly believe this crosses that professional boundary.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

Dumb idea, in my opinion.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

No. Just no.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Absolutely not. It's a horrible idea that clearly crosses professional boundaries.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

Really, really dumb idea.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac/Transplant ICU, Critical Care.

Is there a specific reason as to why you have a problem with this? I don't want this to come off as rude, but maybe you should mind your own business? You seem unnecessarily and overly invested in who your friends are "friends" with on Facebook.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

I was in charge of that facility for years and got a friend request from the resident. THAT'S why it's my businessí ½í¸·

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Some of my former coworkers are Facebook friends with patients they have cared for in the past.

I personally would not accept friend requests from former patients or their families, but grown people should already know that every action has a consequence.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Primary Care, LTC, Private Duty.

Oh, that's a big "Hell NO!!!" in my book! It was bad enough at my last workplace that it was "workplace politics" to be friends with one's coworkers on Facebook. Goodness knows it created more problems than not! I can't imagine being friends with the residents ​off the clock! Especially with one who's notorious for causing trouble (been there---it was bad enough having to work around one of them while AT work!)...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Totally agree with OP, not the best practice. Also, don't understand why someone would want to be Facebook friends with a resident that's known to cause trouble. Seems like it could make one's job more difficult.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion