Exerting Leadership with Students in the Utilization of Social Networking Sites

Abstract

(41st Biennial Convention) As social networking sites and new communications technology become more enmeshed in the fabric of everyday life, the professional, ethical and legal implications of this sociological phenomenon are just beginning to emerge in the literature. As professional programs begin to struggle with the consequences, both educationally and in the professional practice setting, educators need assistance with how to manage these issues. In nursing, the legal ramifications may also include the possibility of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) violations. For all educators, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FEERPA) comes into play in terms of how information is shared with clinical agencies and handled from a privacy perspective. Since students utilize these open computer technologies to explore all aspects of their lives, the line between what is appropriate and what is unprofessional become blurred. Since there is little precedent for managing these issues, a discussion of strategies is critical. Nursing administrators, students and faculty require assistance in how to manage these issues. This presentation will discuss current literature and clinical/educational implications of questionable or inappropriate use of social networking technology by students and faculty. It will consider generational�issues�and technology ease wtih students as well as current case law and the dilemmas posed by the lack of case law available. Current cases will be discussed. Societal implications will also be included. This presentation will focus on ways to manage nursing student issues relative to social networking and other computer technology that has the potential for undermining professionalism. Students today utilize open sites to discuss all aspects of their lives. When information about patients, families, clinical agencies and other components of the nursing program are discussed in an open network, the implications- professionally, legally and ethically- are far-fetching.