Nurses and FB "news"

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Specializes in pediatrics, occupational health.

One of the nurses I work with the other day was ranting (justifiably) about a news article posted on FB about a town in Texas that was now quarantined because of a family who contracted Ebola. The article was posted by a fellow nurse.

People - as nurses, the public looks to us for leadership! We are really need to be THINKING about what we post on social media, especially when it comes to rumors that can scare people! Please use caution when you consider posting articles that seem true, or seem like they could be true! As it is, I don't even trust my own town's news - I have seen too many twists of a version of the truth in a story that is being featured.

So, like your nursing school instructors always drilled into our heads - THINK BEFORE YOU ACT!!!

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Specializes in occupational health.

I saw that article and thought it was real. But when I tried to find corroboration from AP and Reuters, I couldn't find anything. That's when I suspected it was a hoax. If you aren't sure, you can also check Snopes.

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Specializes in ED, Medicine, Case Management.

I think that we all have the same responsibility, whether we are nurses or not. The speed at which "news" and general hoaxes can proliferate in social media is staggering and it is highly irresponsible for anyone to share stories that have not been verified as true. Research before you hit "share"! Read the article before you hit "share"! Be smart.

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Is there by chance a link to this article? I'd be curious to see it.

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I seen that. It was a hoax. I find that if people want to believe it, they will not even verify the story.

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Amen!!!! People who get their news from FB drives me nuts. That includes my own mother. Same kids get kidnapped every other year just a different town.

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Specializes in pediatrics, occupational health.
Is there by chance a link to this article? I'd be curious to see it.

I will have to look for that. I have noticed that the majority of articles that are lies come from the same website...it must be a tabloid type of site. I am at work today, but will have to check it out when I can get on fb and follow the link.

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