It's Finally Happened!

[Ruby Vee]

I recognized someone from the picture they're using as their avatar. Moreover, it's someone I'm responsible for evaluating. And what they're posting is not consistent with a good attitude or safe practice. I can easily see why they're having so many issues with their colleagues. And the amazing thing is that clearly they think they're doing just great and everyone ELSE is the problem!

Now what? I'd already written up the evaluation, but the pages I've printed off allnurses.com complete with the person's picture clearly support my conclusions. Do I include them? Or shred them and pretend I've never looked at allnurses.com?

Will it help if I tell you that my boss reads allnurses religiously? She's probably also seen the picture and the posts.

[CheesePotato, BSN, RN]

As someone who performs evaluations, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that there is no reason to bring the online material into play with the following exceptions:

~~Material posted is in clear and blatant violation of HIPAA.

~~Material posted either names institution of employ or names it clearly without using words based upon geographic or architectural markers. i.e.: I work in a 292 bed level III hospital in a little town near Mobile. In which case anything negative reflects poorly upon the institution.

~~Material posted makes deducing identities of employees or physicians simple and is done in a slanderous manner.

If it does not fit any of these markers, leave it. A detailed evaluation marking observations supported by adequate information and sources will be more than enough 98% of the time to get the job done of setting a very unhappy pigeon free.

For the other two percent...well...it sounds to me she has an "interesting" attitude and more than enough desire to tie knots--just keep feeding her rope. Given enough time, she will "hang" herself.

They always do.

~~CP~~

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

This is social media? I thought facebook and Twitter were social media.

Anyhow, I hope others learn not to post their own pics as an avatar...

[stephanie.]

AN isn't "private". Anyone can get online and read what we post.

[Twinmom06, ASN, APN]

if people get fired for posting this stuff on FB then why is it not relevant here? any type of online forum is considered social media.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

I agree with those of you who said not to use the posts without checking with my supervisor first. But this nurse is pushing the boundaries of what's appropriate, and I wonder if I should sit her down and talk to her about it off the record, or if that's going to come back to bite me. Why anyone would use their own photo as an avatar boggles the mind, anyway. Even people who are SURE they're never going to say anything controversial are going to upset someone sooner or later . . . .

[MotherRN]

I would show her the printed out photo, to prove that it is her, if it really is undeniable. I would tell her in private and with the intention of educating her on the foolishness of using her real photo. I would further use this as an opportunity to discuss, between the two of you, her questionable posts online and how they reflect negatively on her at work. This could be an wonderful opportunity to have real communication with an employee and also do her the good turn of having a second chance to grow up and behave herself online.

I had a teacher once save me from humiliation in school when she picked up a handwritten note I had thrown from the other side of the room to my friend. Unfortunately, it landed in the aisle. The contents were unflattering about a certain boy in class. The note had actually landed right next to his desk.

After class, the teacher had me stay. Instead of punishing me, she explained to me that we should never put into writing something we wouldn't want someone else to read. Pretty basic wisdom. But, I have never forgotten that message and always consider it before my posts, email, etc. Sometimes people need to know what they have to lose by the foolishness of their actions, so they can learn to do better next time.

Depending on the contents of her posts, perhaps she deserves the lesson and not the punishment?

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

Are you evaluating her work performance or what she rants and raves on the internet on HER time?

I think it would be very unprofessional and childish to bring up her allnurses post.

[pookyp, LPN]

Are you evaluating her work performance or what she rants and raves on the internet on HER time?

I think it would be very unprofessional and childish to bring up her allnurses post.

I agree.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Interesting to see the different perspectives on this issue, particularly that some people think that there is some sort of "safe zone" where you can say anything publically and it "doesn't count." That's how people get into trouble.

I would talk to my boss, and probably Human Resources to be sure you handle it correctly. You don't want her to bring you down because you don't make the right moves now. Don't take chances with your own career over it. Keep yourself safe by keeping your boss informed.

[chicarn, BSN, RN]

Are you evaluating her work performance or what she rants and raves on the internet on HER time?

I think it would be very unprofessional and childish to bring up her allnurses post.

I agree

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

When I first signed up, many years ago, I was not involved in teaching. My user name is not as anonymous as I had thought, and I've overheard some of my students say they know who I am on here "it isn't her name, but you can tell it's her". There is no real anonymity on the web.

I've figured out a few people here on AN that I know in person and have also been recognized myself. It's definitely not as anonymous as some like to thin!

Ruby, I second talking to the boss off record. I think it's a sticky situation you are in and I'd play it cautiously.

[Garethaus]

I posted a few months ago about somebodies unprofessional posts being recognised by someone in the 'real' world.....mostly everyone said it wouldn't happen.......anonymity ruled.......oh yeah?