Social media has always been a great way to share your life with others. With the advent of short-form video platforms like TikTok, it has become much easier to post content and possibly gain an audience along the way.
Healthcare workers are also in on the trend. Some nurses post vlogs on YouTube, others allow a sneak peek into their nursing career via TikTok, and so on.
While posting about work is not necessarily a bad thing, being a healthcare professional requires more professionalism and discretion. Here are several reasons why it is not always a good idea to make videos—or any type of content, for that matter—while in the workplace.
You could violate patient privacy
Taking photos or videos in the hospital could easily violate Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations. Even if you only film yourself, there may be something in the background that can accidentally reveal patient information, such as medical records.
Talking about a patient’s case is also a big no-no, no matter how interesting it is or even if your goal is to share health information with the public. There is a risk of revealing identifiable patient information, which could lead to legal consequences.
Many hospitals have policies regarding photos and videos
Most healthcare facilities have policies against unauthorized filming. Violating this rule could lead to disciplinary action, which can range from a verbal reprimand to suspension. If the violation is severe enough, there is also the risk of a lawsuit, penalties or even license revocation.
Filming videos may count as unprofessional behavior
Healthcare workers should always abide by the standards of the industry, and this involves behaving in a professional manner. Taking pictures or filming yourself while on the clock is generally unprofessional. This is especially true if the content includes:
- Making light of serious situations
- Engaging in pranks or juvenile behavior
- Filming patients without consent
- Portraying medical procedures inaccurately
These actions may not only affect your reputation but the hospital’s as well.
Protect yourself from legal repercussions
Sharing your nursing life online is not always bad, but it could put your entire career at risk. This is why you should take extreme caution when filming at work or avoid doing so altogether.
If you are already facing legal action because of this, it is crucial to have an experienced attorney by your side. They can help analyze your legal options, uphold your rights and, most importantly, protect your nursing license.
