Nursing and Social Media

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I recently cared for a patient and their family. Lots of support and the situation was quite different than the norm. The patient, after the discharge, (no longer my patient), had sent me a friend request on a social media site. I really did like this family and I am genuinely interested in the "continuing story" of this family. But I sort of feel like accepting this request might somehow cross that imaginary line between professionalism in nursing and bonding with a patient and the family. I have had other social media patients, but they were my friends (in person and on social media), long before they became my patients. I do not feel like that crossed any lines. I am just wondering what some of you think about this situation. I am on the fence about it.

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I recently cared for a patient and their family. Lots of support and the situation was quite different than the norm. The patient, after the discharge, (no longer my patient), had sent me a friend request on a social media site. I really did like this family and I am genuinely interested in the "continuing story" of this family. But I sort of feel like accepting this request might somehow cross that imaginary line between professionalism in nursing and bonding with a patient and the family. I have had other social media patients, but they were my friends (in person and on social media), long before they became my patients. I do not feel like that crossed any lines. I am just wondering what some of you think about this situation. I am on the fence about it.

Boundaries are there for a reason.

I do not befriend any patients/families and in addition, I do not mention my work on social media at all.

I believe that although it is quite common to complain "online" or vent - one needs to be extremely careful. Not only is everything you write "forever", it can also be misinterpreted.

Just think what happens if you befriend a patient and they will continue to ask you for advice or want to get together ...

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Specializes in School Nurse, past Med Surge.

Like so many areas in life. If it's not a yes, it's a no. I think you're on the fence for a reason.

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Professional boundaries are your friend. I come from a psych background, and I realize many nurses in other specialties feel differently, but it is never okay in the psych community to do something like that. Good for you for asking.

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