According to the Money section of Time magazine, it is reported that 93% of hiring managers will review their candidates' social media accounts before making a hiring decision1. At the click of a button, a momentary lapse in judgment, could destroy your nursing career before it even begins. Soon, all of you will be applying for your first nursing job. Something that you have dreamed of and have worked so hard to obtain. Today, all employers have to do to know more about you, is simply Google your name. After a few clicks, your future employer will have gained their first impression of you. As the saying goes, someone's first impression is most lasting and takes a long time to change, if ever.
To help this reality not become yours, here are some tips and strategies you can use to protect yourself and your career:
Refrain from Reference to Any Illegal Drug Use
If your future employer found any indication that you use illegal drugs, you can almost certainly count yourself out of a job. In fact, 83% of future employers saw this as a negative quality1. Not to mention this is a criminal activity that can put your nursing license in jeopardy, it will potentially endanger the lives of the patients you will one day take care of. Also, every day, you will be in direct contact will substances that have the potential for nurses to become addicted to.
Do not Write about Excessive Alcohol Consumption
44% of employers also frown upon future employees posting on social media how they get drunk all of the time1. When you work for an organization, you not only represent them while you are working but outside of work as well. Also, they might assume that if you drink excessively, you might come to work drunk/hungover or frequently call in due to your self induced illness, both of which directly impact patient care.
Avoid Illegal Activity
First and foremost, don't break the law; you know better. Secondly, if you do break the law, don't brag about it on social media. This is a sure fire way to not get hired, but also will give the police the evidence they need to arrest you for the crime you committed.
Use Proper Grammar
Before you post something, read it to yourself and read it out loud. 61% of employers were not impressed by poor grammar2. You will be surprised how small errors can quickly decrease your credibility. Also, do not fall victim to autocorrect. It is amazing how one autocorrected word can make a non-offensive post, offensive.
Refrain from Swearing On Social Media
Nothing positive will come from using profanity on social media, 65% of employers feel this way2. Not even the censored to disguised words. Swearing is not a good representation of the professional you are. The last thing you would want is to have your application skipped because of a poor choice of words.
Clean Up Your Past Posting History
Go through all of your social media accounts, back to the day it was created and remove, delete, and edit any posts that could be perceived as negative or not becoming of a nurse. Untangle yourself, and if at all possible, remove any offensive photo or post. If the post is not yours, kindly send a message to your friend to remove the post. And fingers crossed, the post will be removed.
Update Your Privacy Settings
Update your privacy settings and remember that anything you post is public, even if you think it's not. Anything can be hacked, a picture can be taken in a second and redistributed just as easily.
This article also applies to the most seasoned nurses as well. Seniority will no longer protect you from a social media post that in any way your employer deems inappropriate. Also, have your fellow nurse's back as well. If you see one of your colleagues post something that could be perceived as inappropriate, reach out to them and express your concern. There is a very good chance that they might not have even noticed or ever thought that what they posted could be jeopardizing their career.
When all is said and done, if you choose to be active on social media, you must be very careful with what you post. Use the tips above to help guide your posting decisions and to take an active step to educate and protect yourself. Social media is a powerful tool, but, with power comes responsibility and as healthcare professionals, don't give anyone the platform or any reason to think less of the nurse you are or the one you will be. Congratulations again to all of the new graduates and welcome to the profession of Nursing!
References
1. The 7 Social Media Mistakes Most Likely to Cost You a Job
2. The top three things that employers want to see in your social media profiles
