Could I get into trouble for this?

[SentinelTruth]

I've been a RN for around 8 years now. Unrelated to my job, got into an argument with someone on Facebook on a religious group... the guy was acting like a psycho (he says Calvinists are of Satan) and I told him "As a Registered Nurse I believe you need antipsychotic medication". Now, he figured out the state I live in and says he is going to contact the State Board and file a complaint by stating I was trying to diagnose him and tell him to take a specific medication type. He also said that he is going to search the internet and see if I posted anything to anyone else like this to show them. I told him I'm not a Doctor and can't prescribe it, that he would have to ask His Doctor about it.

Now, I work as a homecare nurse and talk to patients all of the time about medications, and suggest to them medications they could try but that they would need to obviously talk to their Doctor or NP or PA first to have them prescribe it.... do you guys think I would get into trouble for the above crazy person?

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Honestly, I'd alert my malpractice provider just in case. This was an error in judgment that could have significant implications if a disgruntled person wanted to push the issue with the board as silly as it might be. 

[SoTexasLVN]

Best to scroll on by....

[Marshall1]

Wouldn't give it another thought but my unsolitied advice is keep what you do for a living and where you work and live off the grid. Lots of nuts out there these days - your time is better spent not arguing w/a stranger on social media. Some people like to get into groups or on pages just to stir stuff up - ignore and move on.

[nighttech, CNA]

I've been stalked and harassed, visible social media is a horrible idea. At least don't use your actual name or photos and turn off location whenever possible!

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

EdieBrous said:

Nurses ARE disciplined for social media posts - free speech or not.  I suggest that you get a consultation with an attorney who does licensure defense work in your state so you are prepared if it does happen.  And if you are worried about getting into trouble for what you post on line, maybe stop posting on line and get actual legal advice.

This isn't a free speech issue. Anyone can 

 

WhortonOKC said:

I have to laugh. . .not at the comment which user SentinelTruth posted, but the very fact that such a facile and casual comment could even potentially be twisted into a valid complaint against ANY registered nurse.

It illustrates the nursing boards in general, tend to be overly strict at times in how they interpret nursing law.  Such a case should recall that, yes, even registered nurses have free speech.  This case exemplifies the possibility.  SentinelTruth apparently NEVER had any sort of professional relationship with the individual.  There should be no concern about a casual comment in a social media forum.

Granted, I would have phrased the comment as "As a medical professional," it seems this person could benefit greatly from psych drugs."  

HOWEVER, The fact that any nurse should ever even have to consider such ramifications for public commentary unrelated to their actual job, is chilling of that person's free speech.  

 

Why accuse a nursing board of being "overly strict" when they haven't even said a word about it? It doesn't "illustrate" anything as they haven't even done anything. If a board does something someone doesn't agree with does that automatically makes them "overly strict"?  What does that even mean? Good luck arguing "overly strict" if hemmed up by a nursing board.  "As a medical professional" may infer the poster is qualified to prescribe. The poster claims to be an RN.  RNs lane is not telling people what medication they should be prescribed.  Because someone thinks something is a "casual comment" doesn't mean it will be perceived that way by others.

[Ruth E. Raleigh]

The Boards of Nursing are very stinky in deciding to discipline a licensed nurse.  What seems to be a harmless thing could quite possibly turn into something.  In the event you do hear from your state Board of Nursing, it would probably be a written reprimand and nothing further.  Sadly, in today's society, there are WAY TOO MANY people walking around out there who shouldn't be allowed to be out there free in society who can and will find someone or a punitive governing body to take up their cause/complaint.  You did not directly tell this person the name of a specific medication, so it probably will NOT amount to anything.  Again, PLEASE follow the advice of several other people on this thread and be VERY private about your location and very careful with who you engage with.  I have seen Board of Nursing complaints over the stupidest of reasons due to social media use.  It isn't worth it.  Good luck and protect yourself at all costs.

 

 

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[JohnHood, BSN]

My advice would be to stop interacting with this individual. Block them on FB and any other format that they try to contact you on.

[chrisf92262]

I never tell anyone online that I am a nurse.  I never tell strangers either.  I know it can be tempting to diagnose or recommend medications but I don't.  It is  a real can of worms!  Best to refer such questions to the provider.  I also carry my own malpractice insurance just in case...