Rise of the “Insta-Nurse”: Let’s Start Drawing Some Lines…

For over a decade now, social media has blossomed into this ever-present, chaotic neutral entity that has formed a symbiotic relationship with its users. A person and their profile are so intertwined, that even employers and the government run social media searches!

While this feels wildly intrusive, we’ve accepted the fact that that’ s just how things go now. It’s normal to post your location, what you had for lunch, and the fact that your niece peed her Halloween costume. Almost anything, really. But just because it’s normal, doesn’t mean it should be done. This especially goes for work posts! People have gotten increasingly comfortable with not only mentioning what they do, but where and when they do it. So much so, that entire profiles and trends are centered around a person’s job; enter the “nurse influencer“.

If one looks beyond the cute tumblers and the “I’m a Nurse, What’s Your Superpower?“ regalia, they’ll notice something deeper about most of these influencers; no foresight! Certain posts over the years, and even more recently, have raised many brows. Describing patient “icks“, revealing subtle ways to get back at unsavory patients, and ragging on visiting families are some of the many examples of nurses sticking their foot in their mouths or sounding down-right cringey.

Don’t be that nurse! If you must post at or about your job, be mindful and think a couple steps ahead. How far could this reach? Am I violating anything (including yourself)? Will I still be able to get a job? Am I being petty? Should this stay in the group chat? If all your questions lead to you still being okay with your post, have at it!

Always remember; live in the present, but plan for the future. Your stability is more important than likes and “going viral“ (people go viral for free, at least get paid for it once it gets big LOL). Be smart in these internet streets, have social media boundaries, and happy posting!