Hello and welcome to my first ever blog post!
Today I wish to discuss three topics:
1. Professional identity online
2. Professional values
3. Place within the healthcare system
Social media is something I have always been interested in. Once I became an RN, I changed my privacy settings to private in fear of clients making assumptions about me. I also removed posted photos that may have be deemed "unprofessional" or "inappropriate".
As a nurse, and community member I aim to portray to the public that I am a respectable member of society that values accountability, innovation, respect, excellence, and learning. I want to ensure that I am being respectful but also showcase my personality. If you had a chance to review my professional expectations, you may notice that my personal values are also shared by the nursing profession.
My values and how I demonstrate them:
Accountability: to yourself and your beliefs, your profession, your colleagues, your clients, your word, and your mistakes. This is demonstrated by reviewing your practice standards, doing what you say you will, being forthcoming with mistakes and evaluating/reflecting on how you may repair what has been done and how you will avoid doing this in the future. Online I make sure to correct myself if I am wrong or was mistaken.
Innovation: to always be searching for ways to improve your practice and the quality of service provided. I value a keen sense of wonder and exploration. This is demonstrated by having a thirst for knowledge, quality improvement, and being able to think outside the box. Online I try to seek out new and interesting ways of sharing ideas; I also stay open to others' ideas and points of view.
Respect: again, respecting yourself and your beliefs, your profession, your colleagues, and your clients. This is demonstrated by being polite, taking the time to listen and understand, and following through with what you have said you would do. Online I follow the same principles as I would in person.
Excellence: doing your very best to provide high quality care. This is demonstrated through teaching, asking for help when necessary, updating skills, and fully understanding your client and their needs. Online I ensure to not spread rumours or spread information that hasn't been fact checked.
Learning: healthcare is a field that never stops changing. I demonstrate that this is a value by taking part in education/in-services, reviewing best practice guidelines, being open to change, and making yourself available for new experiences. Online I listen to others, review their points, and look to see if what they have said is accurate by comparing their statements with trusted sources.
Historically, I always had reservations with posting comments to controversial posts on social media as I did not want to tarnish my professional reputation. Thankfully, in this course, our professor explained that professionals can post comments as long as they are factual and appropriate. I will continue to remember this and also reflect on my values prior to posting on social media.
Within the healthcare system I hold a few roles. I am not only a consumer of health care, but I also provide and manage health care within my community. As a clinical manager my role is to help facilitate a safe environment to work in and receive care in. The way I see it, if my staff have the tools they need and feel supported, they will provide high-quality care to our patients. Although I rarely provide hands on care to patients as a clinical manager, I still provide a valuable service to our community by facilitating great care.
What are your values? Do they relate with mine? Do they clash? I'd love to hear!
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