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?
Richard Bach in his classic book Illusions wrote "Live never to be ashamed if anything you do or say is published around the world- even what is published is not true".
Now, Mr. Bach's book was published in 1977, over a decade before the world wide web was invented, but I believe his basic concept still holds true.
If we "live (our lives) never to be ashamed", we do nothing to be concerned about if we or our actions are ever scrutinized.
People will always talk and give their perception of us and our actions. If we live our lives in a way in which we are comfortable, others' perception of us and who we truly are become less important.
It doesn't matter to me if anybody knows who the real Davey Do is, for I live my life to never be ashamed.
Like Davey says, to paraphrase, "If you can live with you, who cares what others think about you?"
Just about everyone that I work with know that I come on here because they see me checking out the site and they ceaselessly yak with each other about stuff that is none of their business. I have never and will never discuss confidential patient information here or anywhere else. As far as my opinion if they don't like it too bad. I didn't wake up in North Korea yesterday and besides I'm covered by a collective bargaining agreement
I also won't wear my AllNurses jacket to work. Most anywhere else, I'll wear it. I'm sure my whole little town knows I must belong to this AN website...just not exactly who I am here :)
Specializes in Geriatrics w/rehab, LTC, hospice patient.
I would be pretty embarrassed if anyone I knew recognized me from any of my posts. I don't tend to post personal information about patients on here but it's still not something I want my coworkers to know about. As far as I know, no one does.
We have jackets? 
caliotter3
38,333 Posts
Like Davey says, to paraphrase, "If you can live with you, who cares what others think about you?"