I was found out!

[cwilliams032]

I've been on allnurses for years now. I have shared many stories in hopes of getting everyone's advice and opinions. HOWEVER, I shared a story a while back, and someone sent me a message asking if I was _______. I assume they read my public activity, and after reading theirs, I realized I knew who they were as well. It was kind of embarrassing, but kind of an eye opener.

I use this site under the condition of reasonable anonymity. I don't know that I would share as many details with the internet if the people reading know who I am.

Am I the only one? Would any of you willingly share your questions and answers with the people who know you?

Also, if you're reading this Josh,

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

I post everything assuming my boss will read it. The nursing world is surprisingly small.

[cwilliams032]

I agree now. I never shared pt information or anything like that. Usually issues with coworkers or questions about best case scenarios.

[Kitiger, RN]

Murphy's Law:

Everything written can be read.

Corollaries to Murphy's Law:

Some of it will be read by your boss ... or by someone who knows your boss.

... The more negative the post, the more likely that your boss will read it.

... If it might violate policy, it will most certainly land on your boss's desk.

... If it does violates policy or HIPAA, you're done.

Some of it will be read by your patient ... or by your patient's family.

... Even if the post is disguised, your patient will recognize it.

... If it puts them in a good light, they will tell your boss.

... If it puts them in a bad light, they will tell your boss and then sue.

Remember Murphy

His laws come back to haunt you

Be very careful

[Crush]

Nothing is anonymous on the internet anymore. But this is a great reminder.

[Farawyn]

A lot of people know who I am here. *shrug*

[Sour Lemon]

I'd prefer not to be "discovered" because I do share some political/religious opinions here on occasion and I don't talk about those subjects at work. Otherwise, anyone who knows me knows all the rest.

[NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN]

I don't know if it had anything to do with user name choice along with the post content. If your user name has anything to do with your name and/or strong, noticeable character traits, you will probably be easier to identify than say a name like nurseabc123. Not sure if anyone has that one already, but definitely nothing there to help tell who it is...

[caliotter3]

I identified a former co-worker one time because they used their name and the post was precisely toned the way they acted on the job. Too bad they never returned because I might have had hours of entertainment. Another person that I actually met on the job left nursing. We shared similar views. I cringe every time I read a post or thread that is too identifiable.

[Kitiger, RN]

I post everything assuming my boss will read it. The nursing world is surprisingly small.

Same here. I'm always careful with what I write.

I write the same way as I speak, so it's likely that anyone who knows me will "hear my voice" as they read my posts. If they figure out who I am, more power to 'em!

[nursej22, MSN, RN]

I was able to identify a former coworker on this site, but I haven't seen them post in a long time. That is too bad because they were funny and insightful posts.

I once posted something that got a me warning from the administrators for being too detailed about a patient, which I was very thankful for.

Yeah, I always assume my boss is reading this. I keep my political views on the blue side.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

I once figured out that someone who used to post worked with me because they shared a very distinctive detail about a trauma patient who came to the OR. So it's always best to change up identifying details, even if it's not HPI.

FTR, the detail was about the property owner requesting the return of the portion of their item that arrived in the patient (impalement). Now tell me that isn't noticeable, especially since they included what the item was and the type of property it came from? (Several years old now, and most of my coworkers who were around at that time have since retired, so I should be safe-ish)