Behavior on Social Networking Sites
The Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN) has alerted Schools of Nursing to caution students about their use of social networking sites. Such sites (including, but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, My Space) are not considered private. The BORN reminds us that employers, as well as admissions committees in graduate programs, can and do use the sites to screen candidates, make employment or admissions decisions, or as the basis to rescind offers of employment or admission to candidates whose social networking images reflect poorly on them as professionals or potential professionals. Students and/or faculty cannot use personal cell phones or tablets for any type of client recording (audio or image). IHP/Mass General Brigham approved devices will be available if visual images or audio recordings are components of a client’s treatment plan. If a client or client’s family requests video, audio or still pictures that include students and/or faculty appropriate written authorization must be obtained from the institution or practice facility. No images or recordings of clients or family members should be requested or be posted on social media. For further clarification on protecting patient confidentiality, please refer to HIPAA guidelines.
*This Code of Professional Behavior is drawn directly from the corporate policies of the Mass General Brigham System Inc. (MGB) and its affiliates, in concert with the stated policies for professional conduct from the American Nurses Association, and NCSBN on Professional Boundaries.
[Policy Reviewed May 2022]