This topic has been discussed throughout many threads but I wanted to designate a single thread to this issue. I am a Facebook junkie just like many people from my generation.
I would never post anything patient related or anything that would breach HIPAA. I posted a very tongue-in-cheek status about the daily struggles of nursing (such as drug seeking patients, non-compliant patients, and the patients with a grand sense of entitlement to name a few).
It was meant to be sarcastic and humorous. Well, long story short, HR got a hold of it and almost fired me for it. They said it made me look like a cold, callous nurse and that doesn't sit well with their core values as a facility.
My point of this thread is to be extremely careful about what you post on the internet. My page was as private as it could be but they managed to view it through a "friend's" page.
Luckily, I was able to keep my job and learned a valuable lesson. Don't post work related ANYTHING on your social networking sites.
Facebook can be a good tool, but people need to realize that anything and everything that goes on the internet can never be taken back, can be viewed by anybody no matter your privacy settings, and there is no better substitute for good judgement.
I have even questioned adding people from work to my FB, but I have a few of them. Still i do not post anything about work on there. Its ridiculous that work can interfere with your personal life like that IMO. Who cares what you do or say on FB? Sign of the times I guess.
Wow!!!! I think that is absolutely overboard that this situation even made its way to HR. If I were you, I'd really like to know who "leaked" that information. I do agree that this is a lesson learned, but I think people take facebook posts WAY too seriously. Good luck in the future!
I think "leaked information" is naive. HR knows how to search and google. Once you are on social networks, it's very easy for employers to see what you post, what type of person you are online. The OP was foolish to post work related things online and learned from it. No matter how 'private' you think your posts are, online is available to the world. Be nice!
Specializes in Mental Health, Medical Research, Periop.
They use fb statuses in divorce court now, employers use it, although you have it listed as private - how private is it really? Especially when you have 300 friends and you can be googled (You can even see people tweets through google who have private settings) I hate to play devils advocate, but it wasnt fb that almost cost you your job, its what you posted on fb that was available to be viewed by many many people. You control what you post on the social networks, but it seems youve learned your lesson. Im glad you didnt lose your job :)
I can see how facebook can cause alot of problems! Many times people portray themselves in a certain way, maybe for a laugh. But today, whatever you say on these type of sites can be read by everyone. Just like the OP said, thru a friends page. I have always said these sites can be dangerous.
I personally do not post anything work related, or which company I work for, even if it's just general info, a vent after a rough day or anything negative cause you never know if one of your so called "facebook friends" are really haters who are looking for negative things to take back to your supervisor or HR. I have a bunch of fellow nurses as facebook friends whom might want MY management position you just never know. It's a dog eat dog world. Protect yourself !!!
i know my DON is on this website too..i saw him on it in his office...so no...no privacy whatsoever even in here...just a few details from rantings here can give your identity away..
Specializes in thoracic ICU, ortho/neuro, med/surg.
Facebook can be a good tool, but people need to realize that anything and everything that goes on the internet can never be taken back, can be viewed by anybody no matter your privacy settings, and there is no better substitute for good judgement.
You are 100% right.
Even if you delete things from websites, they can still be found in cache on the internet. Once something is online, it is essentially on there forever, especially if people know how to look for it. I think we have a false sense of security about the internet, and about deleting things. It is best to be prudent.
I haven't read all the posts but I learned a LONG time ago never have people you work with as friends on any social network. Also, if you are taking classes.. never make your fellow classmates or teachers friends. I typically keep to my family stuff. Most of my friends are my family members.
Turd Ferguson
455 Posts
Facebook can be a good tool, but people need to realize that anything and everything that goes on the internet can never be taken back, can be viewed by anybody no matter your privacy settings, and there is no better substitute for good judgement.