Can blogging hurt or harm your career

RiskManager · Mar 19, 2016

I can say only that you are ever involved in a malpractice case, never blog about it. The famous case of Dr. Flea illustrates this. I was actually following his blog at the time and sent him numerous private messages warning him about it. He never responded, and then exactly what I predicted occurred.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Mar 20, 2016

You should only blog anonymously. Don't identify your geographic location or facility.

Here's a great example of a well written anonymous nursing blog:

What school doesn't teach about being a nurse practitioner

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 20, 2016

Im just getting started into blogging within the nursing subject. Ive been thinking about it and am a little hesitant to throw my name on things for fear of how it could reflect on prospective employment down the road. Has anyone had thoughts on that or any insights?

Use a pseudonym or pen name when blogging. Do not attach your real name to any of your blog postings. Problem solved.

Columnist · Mar 21, 2016

Moved to the Nurse Innovators Hub where some "expert" nurse bloggers can weigh in on this one.

Career Columnist / Author · Mar 21, 2016

It's a personal choice and the comments above are pro going/remaining anonymous. There are positive and negative sides to either choice. I'll speak to the opposite opinion.

My choice is not anon, on my blog nursecode.com and on Twitter @bhawkesrn. Here's my experience:

I like owning what I write and what I believe. I know that going anon would tempt me to perhaps vent more or not choose my words as carefully.

I do not hide my opinions: I am pro-nurse, pro nurse:patient ratios, anti penalizing nurses for calling in sick over holidays, and more. I express my opinions in a professional manner and never throw my hospital under the bus.

I was just nominated for our county's ACNL Lifetime Achievement Award by my hospital, in large part because of my blog and my work on my blog helping nurses and being a nursing social media influencer.

It takes skill to learn how to express yourself professionally, especially on hot topics. Writing as myself has forced me to acquire those valuable life and communication skills.

That's just my experience, and I understand and respect others' choices. Best of luck! I would love to help you in any way I can- Nurse Beth

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Mar 22, 2016

Great blog, nurse Beth. I saved it to my home screen. That's saying a lot considering my storage is at a premium on my phone! Lol! It has good suggestions for soon to be new grads, such as myself!

OCNRN63, RN · Mar 22, 2016

I have a blog that has been documenting my cancer recurrence and some of the ups and downs of being a nurse caught up in the patient role. I don't have my name attached to it.

I think if you stick to factual information, you should be OK. I'm not sure exactly what kind of blog you're planning to have based on your description, but good luck to you.

Editorial Team / Admin · Mar 22, 2016

I agree with all of the above.

In addition...

Take ownership of what you create. It's YOU. You are the BRAND.

Anonymous is NOT the way to go if you want to build a business. Yes, you can make money from blogging.

Always stay positive - be professional in your writing. Never put anyone down. Never talk about specific individuals/entities.

The goal is to inform - to educate.

Donna Maheady · Mar 22, 2016

It's a personal choice and the comments above are pro going/remaining anonymous. There are positive and negative sides to either choice. I'll speak to the opposite opinion.
My choice is not anon, on my blog nursecode.com and on Twitter @bhawkesrn. Here's my experience:
It takes skill to learn how to express yourself professionally, especially on hot topics. Writing as myself has forced me to acquire those valuable life and communication skills.

Hi Beth,

I couldn't agree more. I am proud of the work I do blogging at Exceptional Nurse and opt to put my name on it.

I teach nursing and would never throw a school under the bus.

A professional and thoughtful dialog is possible! It does take skill, experience, and practice. When you are open to public critique....you have to learn to use your words well!

vandydani · Mar 22, 2016

I think that it depends on the content of the blogging you wish to do. If you are wanting to engage other colleagues in intellectual discussion and talk about current events with a clear statement that you are not representing your hospital of employment or acting on their behalf then I'm sure attaching your name would be a great choice. If you think you may need to vent or share some stories that don't violate HIPAA (but may if someone knew what facility you worked at) then I would caution you. I have an anonymous blog because I use humor to cope with some of the hard parts of nursing and I would never want anyone to be offended or think I was a bad nurse or that my facility felt the same way. It also allows me to bond with other nurses and point out the humor and the frustrating parts of nursing without feeling like I am representing anyone else but myself. I also give advice and it is obvious it is coming from me and not my place of employment.

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 23, 2016

I don't blog, but am very active here on allnurses. I prefer to stay anonymous so that I can speak freely and say things that my employer might not approve of. With a public profile, your employer is able to know what you are writing and may take action against you if they do not approve of what you write.

It's great that some bloggers have the full support of their employers. But unless you know you have that support, I recommend staying anonymous.