Let’s talk: Twittering nurses connect us all
Twitter, the social networking site that allows users to keep friends, family, and colleagues up-to-date on everything that is happening in their lives, is taking the world by storm. Healthcare providers are commenting on surgeries in real time, nurses are reaching out for experts on the latest clinical care best practices, and there is a constant flow of information and advice.
The information you can share is never ending and Twitter is starting to become a useful tool in the nursing world. Here are some ways nurses and nurse managers are using Twitter:
- Posting information and updates: Most healthcare organizations use e-mail to send important announcements to nursing staff about changes in policy and procedure or to let them know about an upcoming in-service, but some nurses don’t check their work e-mails regularly. However, most people with Twitter or Facebook (another form of social media) check those accounts more often. By posting updates to Twitter or Facebook, the information can be received quickly and efficiently.
- Sharing general information: Whether you want to tell nursing colleagues about a great wound care product you used, or that there is a job opening in your facility, Twitter is a great way to do just that, and allows you to get the news out to multiple people.
- Asking for advice: No matter how big or small the question is, Twitter subscribers will be more than happy to lend a hand in answering the question themselves, or finding someone to help.
- Updating about news events: Because this is a social network that reaches millions, users can keep fellow nurses up-to-date on a new healthcare finding or a best practice from within their facility.
Once you have established a Twitter account and are itching to share information with the Twittering world, the next step is to find fellow nurses and colleagues that are already on Twitter. Two great Web sites post information about what nurses and other Twitters would be great to follow:
Don’t worry if you’re a first time user or even if you are already a member and have questions. Twitter offers a helpful video for those who are looking to join and it also answers frequently asked questions.
And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/nursemanagers
About the Author: Sarah is an Editorial Assistant in the patient safety group at HCPro, Inc. She contributes to two monthly newsletters; Briefings on the Joint Commission and Briefings on Patient Safety, and manages four e-zines; Accreditation Connection, AHAP Staff Challenge, Nurse Manager Weekly, and Healthcare Training Weekly. She also helps research new products for the patient safety and nursing market. She graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2008 where she earned her bachelor's degree in English.
Carrie Williams | Jul 15, 2009 | Reply
My concern would be that due to wage and hour issues we aren’t to be having staff do any work related work without paying them. If they are checking their email at home then this would be considered work related.