Social media is deeply embedded in both our personal and professional lives as nurses. It enables hospitals to expand telehealth services and promote patient engagement, while individual nurses use it to connect, learn, and share experiences. However, as the digital world expands, so does the responsibility to protect patient privacy. The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, or AI, in healthcare presents new opportunities—but also new ethical challenges. Nurses must stay informed and vigilant about how these technologies influence confidentiality and professionalism.

AI refers to computer systems that simulate human intelligence. In healthcare, AI helps analyze clinical data and personalize education, but it also collects sensitive patient information, which increases the risk of privacy breaches. This makes it essential for nurses to understand how to use AI responsibly while upholding ethical and legal standards.

That is where “e-professionalism” must be maintained. Simply put, it means acting professionally when communicating within any digital space—whether you are using social media or interacting with AI platforms. A post about a touching patient moment or a difficult shift might feel harmless, but it can unintentionally reveal protected health information. Unfortunately, many nurses feel underprepared in this area and may make avoidable mistakes without proper guidance. Learning your workplace’s digital communication policies and HIPAA standards is critical to staying compliant and protecting both your patients and your career.

AI can also support nurses in learning and practicing professionalism. For example, some platforms use AI to tailor educational content and simulate clinical situations, helping nurses practice skills safely. These tools can also teach privacy protocols and model appropriate digital behaviors. By incorporating AI into educational initiatives, nurses can become more confident in managing technology while safeguarding patient data.

While AI has a lot of potential, it also raises significant privacy and ethical concerns. AI systems can unintentionally collect personal health information during user interactions. If it is not properly secured, this data could be misused or exposed. AI can also reflect the biases of its developers, leading to skewed or unethical outcomes. As nurses, we must ask questions when new technology is introduced in the workplace and understand how AI systems gather their information. Supporting transparent privacy policies and advocating for regular audits are further steps to ensure responsible technology use.

As a nursing leader, I have seen firsthand the consequences of social media misuse. A nursing student in my facility once posted a dancing video with a patient online. Though the post was cheerful and well-intentioned, it led to her being marked as unhirable—a costly mistake for someone just starting out in their career. But as AI and social media continue to grow in healthcare, we do not need to be afraid or threatened—we just need to remain informed and mindful of professional etiquette online. Ultimately, nurses must balance the benefits of digital innovation with the duty to protect patient information. Staying educated, thinking critically, and advocating for ethical practices are essential as we navigate a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

References

Glauberman, G., Ito-Fujita, A., Katz, S., & Callahan, J. (2023). Artificial intelligence in nursingeducation: Opportunities and challenges. Hawaii Journal of Health & Social Welfare, 82(12), 302–305.

Lynn, M. A., Cook, C., Neff, D. F., Kinchen, E. V., & Beever, J. (2024). Ethical decision-making among nurses participating in social media: A grounded theory study. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 15(2), 45–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(24)00055-3

Rivera-Romero, O., Gabarron, E., Miron-Shatz, T., Petersen, C., & Denecke, K. (2022). Social media, digital health literacy, and digital ethics in the light of health equity. Yearbook of Medical Informatics, 31(01), 082–087. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-1742503

Rony, M. K. K., Parvin, M. R., & Ferdousi, S. (2024). Advancing nursing practice with artificial intelligence: Enhancing preparedness for the future. Nursing Open, 11(1), 10.1002/nop2.2070. https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.2070