Social Media and Nursing, Coursework Example

Introduction

Social media has a significant impact on all professions, including nursing, as it facilitates communication between different persons and improves knowledge acquisition. Advanced practice nurses possess opportunities to educate patients across many areas using their knowledge and skill (Cooper & Kar, 2014). Nurses also use social media as a communication platform to improve health and identify issues that require further evaluation (Barry & Hardiker, 2012). Social media may also provide a means of direct communication with patients, although this practice is questionable in regards to its ethical appropriateness (Krowchuk et.al, 2010).

Analysis

For nurses working with diabetic patients, social media may provide numerous benefits, including the ability to educate this population in areas of need (Cooper & Kar, 2014). Many diabetes patients lack the knowledge that is required to manage their illness effectively; therefore, social networking often links up patients who are able to share different experiences to improve outcomes (Cooper & Kar, 2014). Social networks also support the delivery of knowledge and treatment alternatives for patients through different websites and discussion groups (Anderson, 2012). Nurses should support social media alternatives in order to improve patient empowerment and a greater ability to manage a disease such as diabetes more effectively throughout their lives (Lober & Flowers, 2011). Caution must be exercised when using these benefits in order to protect patient information from unnecessary risk at all times (Hader & Brown, 2010). These examples must also adhere to regulatory guidelines regarding the protection of patient information while using social networks that support growth and progress (Cronquist and Spector, 2010).

An example scenario where social networking might be effective involves advanced practice nurses working with patients with a chronic illness, whereby they provide education through recommendations involving social media, such as discussion groups, chats, and knowledge-based websites. Nurses might also recommend other social media sources in order to accomplish their education-based goals, while also enabling patients to experience greater confidence regarding the management of their health conditions.

Conclusion

Nurses must use social media alternatives with the best interests of patients in mind. This will support education and knowledge acquisition in a manner that is consistent with improved disease management and effective outcomes for the targeted population group.

References

Anderson, K. (2012). Social media: A new way to care and communicate. Australian Nursing Journal: ANJ, The, 20(3), 22.

Barry, J., & Hardiker, N. R. (2012). Advancing nursing practice through social media: a global perspective. Online journal of issues in nursing, 17(3).

Cooper, A., & Kar, P. (2014). A new dawn: The role of social media in diabetes education. Journal of Diabetes Nursing, 18(2).

Cronquist, R., & Spector, N. (2011). Nurses and social media: Regulatory concerns and guidelines. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 2(3), 37-40.

Hader, A. L., & Brown, E. D. (2010). LEGAL BRIEFS. Patient Privacy and Social Media. AANA journal, 78(4).

Krowchuk, H. V., Lane, S. H., & Twaddell, J. W. (2010). Should social media be used to communicate with patients?. MCN: The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing, 35(1), 6-7.

Lober, W. B., & Flowers, J. L. (2011, August). Consumer empowerment in health care amid the internet and social media. In Seminars in oncology nursing (Vol. 27, No. 3, pp. 169-182). WB Saunders.