Summary:
Why are some healthcare professionals losing their jobs because of Facebook postings? Celebrities use the popular social networking site, TV reporters use it, and chances are you and your friends use it, too. However, users can overlook the negative effects that social networking sites can have on their careers. In healthcare, Facebook postings can influence the hiring process, violate patient privacy and result in termination of employment. In March 2010, 13 ED nurses and staff at a Pennsylvania hospital were fired for what they thought was innocent and private online ED group chatting. One nurse was fired for posting “That lady was crazy.” The nurse never thought what she posted in the privacy of her own home would result in such a response. Several weeks later, the hospital established a policy about social networking sites, which says that patients have the right to receive care without being the subject of a Facebook discussion.
Objectives:
The goal of this social networking continuing education program is to make laboratory professionals aware of the risks of social networks as they break down the walls separating our personal and professional lives. After studying the information presented here, you will be able to —
- Discuss how Facebook postings can lead to loss of employment.
- Explain two ways using Facebook in the hiring process can pose legal risks for employers.
- Describe three reasons why Facebook pages can lead to not getting hired.
Level of Instruction: Basic
Approval Information
This course is designed for Laboratory professionals.
Gannett Education is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) Professional Acknowledgment for Continuing Education (P.A.C.E..®) Program (provider #249).
249-630-12 "Facebook: Know the Policy Before Posting" is approved 04-11-2012 to 04-11-2014.