A nurse is facing serious backlash after posting a video on social media of herself crying upon the loss of a patient. In the now-deleted TikTok video, the nurse leans against the wall, reminding herself to shake it off and keep going. Commenters quickly called out the creator for making an emotionally manipulative video intended to go viral.

“I understand raising awareness on the difficulties of being a healthcare professional but this feels like a patient was just exploited for likes and views. There are other ways to share experiences, this way was not tasteful,” @ateenyalien wrote.

“Imagine the family of the patient she lost seeing that,” @sl1pkn0t5782 said.

There's no denying the challenges that nurses face in their professional lives. Many of those challenges have been exacerbated over the last few years – healthcare workers are indeed heroes for all they shoulder. In spite of such hardship, though, nurses have an obligation to their patients. Privacy, respect, and professionalism are some of the cornerstones of the industry. Without a commitment to such values, nurses may find their professional license on the line.

Breaches of Confidentiality

Whatever your feelings on the video, there's no denying that social media can put professional licensure at risk. Social media has become an integral part of American culture, but misusing such platforms could lead to serious privacy violations. If you're considering posting about your work as a nurse, keep professional standards in mind. Social media posts should never breach patient confidentiality or privacy. Avoid sharing photos, negative comments about patients, and any identifying details. Fail to do so, and you may find your local Board of Nursing launching an investigation into your posts.

Unprofessional conduct can also trigger an investigation. Anything that reflects poorly on the nursing profession can be seen as a red flag. For instance, negative comments about your colleagues or workplace can be perceived as unprofessional. Even when posts don't violate patient privacy, they can raise eyebrows from supervisors and other stakeholders. For further details on social media best practices for nurses, see the recommendations from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Investigations by the Board of Nursing

If you receive a letter from your Board of Nursing about a potential investigation into your social media presence, don't represent yourself. An attorney who specializes in professional license defense can help you chart the best course forward. There's a lot on the line in such cases; probation, suspension, and revocation of your nursing license may be at risk. Formal disciplinary procedures can jeopardize your future in healthcare altogether.

Don't gamble with your nursing career. You worked too hard and for too long to get where you are now. With your entire career and livelihood on the line, it's important to take action. Attorney Joseph D. Lento has helped save the professional licenses of clients throughout New Jersey and New York. Call the Lento Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 today to discuss your case and evaluate your options.