Use Social Media as a Tool as a Travel Nurse

Many people, including travel nurses, use social media for various reasons. You can connect with friends, view posts, and share information. You can even use social media as a tool as a travel nurse. However, there are several dos and don'ts those travel nurses should abide by to prevent unwanted consequences. Let's review the importance of social media and how to leverage social media as a travel nurse. We'll also discuss the dos and don'ts of using social media.

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Importance of Social Media as a Travel Nurse

Social media is a great way to connect with friends, family, prior coworkers, and even fellow travel nurses. As a travel nurse, it's imperative to keep in contact with family and friends, especially when you are on assignment away from home. You can even connect with fellow travel nurses and discuss travel nursing items, such as weekly pay information or travel tax info. Through online social media groups, you may even find a travel nurse who is about to start an assignment with you!=

Many travel nurses and travel nursing agencies are leveraging social media as a way to increase awareness of the travel nursing profession. Also, agencies are using social media to recruit travel nurses or host informational career fairs for available travel nursing assignments throughout the country.

Dos and Don'ts of Using Social Media as a Travel Nurse

Let's discuss some dos and don'ts of using social media as a travel nurse.

DON'Ts

Never Share Patient Information

Sharing any kind of patient information can lead to a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) violation. A HIPAA violation can lead to fines and disciplinary actions, sometimes resulting in termination. So even if you feel compelled to share a positive patient story from your shift, don't do it.

Don't Discuss Your Employer

Don't discuss or post anything negative about your past, current, or future employers. You never know who may have access to view your post and report you. Also, don't discuss information that has not been disclosed to the public. For example, if you know your employer is merging with another then don't talk about it under any circumstances.

Don't Believe Everything You Read

There's plenty of false information out there, especially on social media. So do not believe everything you read or share information unless you know it's accurate.

DOs

Network

Network with other travel nurses and healthcare professionals. You never know who may lead you to or recommend you for your next travel assignment. Update your LinkedIn social media account with relevant nursing skills and experience to attract potential employers.

Join Groups

There are tons of groups within social media platforms where like-minded individuals connect and share ideas. If you're interested in a particular area of nursing or want to stay up to date on nursing research, then join a group. There are also many groups where travel nurses connect to share experiences and get ideas for activities around their assignment location.

Be Respectful

When posting on social media, it's also important to be respectful at all times. Others may be able to read your posts or replies. As a rule of thumb, treat others as you want to be treated.

Best Leverage Social Media as a Travel Nurse

Many travel nurses are leveraging social media to their benefit. On platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn, you can professionally network and join groups of like-minded people to share ideas and information. Some groups post about available travel nursing assignments, upcoming informational career fairs, and locations. Other travel nurse-specific groups discuss travel nurse topics such as weekly pay information, travel tax info, or about their past experiences with a travel nurse assignment. All of this is valuable information!

By using social media, you can also attract potential employers. Travel nurses have specific skill sets that many hospitals / healthcare systems (and even post-acute care facilities) are searching for! So, on LinkedIn, make sure to fill out your nursing skills and background. Also, let's say you're looking for a new travel nurse assignment in a specific location or unit. You can post your wants online and network with travel nursing recruiters to find you that perfect assignment.

You have many positive ways to use social media as a tool as a travel nurse. Just ensure you are not sharing any patient information and don't act unprofessionally. Follow our list of dos and don'ts of social media today.

Learn More about Health Carousel

Interested in learning more? Health Carousel Travel Nursing has many available travel nursing jobs! By using our On Demand app, we make searching for your next assignment easy. You can apply for jobs and easily track your application status. It also helps you receive offers fast by partnering with your recruiter.

HCTN wants you to earn competitive pay rates. We provide a variety of benefits to our travel nurses, including health insurance, rewards programs, and more! With our full circle of support, we provide exciting ways to use your benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now let's review some frequently asked questions of travel nurses using social media.

How is social media useful in nursing?

You should use social media as a tool as a travel nurse. Social media is useful to travel nursing as a networking and research tool. You can connect with fellow travel nurses and ask questions or offer professional support. You may even attract your next employer! You can also use social media as a research platform to learn more about your assignment location or the nearby hospitals / healthcare systems and post acute care facilities.

Can you post on social media as a nurse?

Yes, you can post on social media. However, make sure to not share any patient information or display any unprofessional or inappropriate information. Instead, use social media as a platform to network or for health promotion.

What tools do travel nurses use?

Travel nurses use social media as a networking and research tool. You can learn more about your new assignment location and research potential things to see during your road trip or at your destination. Some nurses use social media as a platform for medical education or health promotion.

Can nurses get in trouble for social media?

Yes, nurses can get in trouble for using social media inappropriately. If you share any patient information or show unprofessional behaviors, you will be subject to the consequences. Also, don't talk or post anything about your current employer. You never know who has access to view your social media account. Posting negative comments could lead to termination and also deter potential new employers from hiring you.

What social media do nurses use most?

Nurses use several types of social media channels. The most common are Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Facebook and LinkedIn are great platforms and can be used for professional networking. With Twitter and Instagram, travel nurses often use these as platforms for health promotion.

What should nurses not do on social media?

Nurses and travel nurses should not post anything about patients on their social media accounts. This is a HIPAA violation and could lead to termination. Also, do not post anything displaying professional misconduct or inappropriate behaviors. You never know who's able to see your social media!