Using facebook to improve communication with staff

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.

My bright idea of the day??

I enjoy facebook & have several co workers as my "facebook friends". The DON & I have recently discussed how we have been very selective about who we have allowed to be our "friends" so that we can maintain some professionalism. But, the other side of the coin, we have a couple long term, older, outstanding CNA's that we have allowed to be our "facebook friends". We are finding that we ALL have really benefited from this. They end up in our office laughing about something on the computer but the conversation almost always turns to something happening on the unit , how the new CNA is doing, or a resident concern, etc. We are actually seeing communication and team work improve and it appears to have a direct relationship to facebook.

So now I'm thinking of starting a facebook group. I checked it out today. I can start a group that is completely secret, unsearchable and I would have complete control of who can/can't join. I would open this to all employees of the facility with the understanding that they would be deleted from the group once their employment ended. I will also make it clear that we can not post resident specific information, can not violate HIPAA and will not tolerate general inappropriate comments.

I'm thinking we could use this to post upcoming inservices, links to relevant medical information and...well...I'm not sure what else (staff birthdays??).

Has anyone tried this? What problems have you had. What problems could you foresee?

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Please be real careful. Including certain employees and excluding others may lead to disastrous consequences in the workplace.

Any break in an existing "friendship" -- which is ultimately prone to happen -- may bankrupt the bank of all the good that you believe has come of the current arrangement.

Good luck!

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Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU, Psych, Med-surg...etc....

I agree be careful. As with any type of internet useage- once it's out there...it's out there. I don't believe anything is entirely secret. Many people have lost jobs and gotten into trouble posting things here and there.....

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I think this would be better handled through run of the mill email postings rather than a social network. And for that matter, unless someone is into illegal wiretapping, phone calls are even a better method of communication. Most things can wait until the next day to be communicated anyway.

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Specializes in acute care and geriatric.

I keep my social and my professional lives separate. I think what you are doing is problematic and might give the impression of favoritism.

I agree with those expressing caution.

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I wouldn't do that if I were you. This could lead to a sticky situation.

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.
I wouldn't do that if I were you. This could lead to a sticky situation.

It's an old thread & I didn't do it.

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It's an old thread & I didn't do it.

Good grief...sorry, didn't look at date. :lol2:

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