Social Media Plan

Image: Creating a Social Media Marketing Plan (getfoundquick.com)

After starting this course and thinking about my social media presence, I have realized that social media can be used in many ways. Everyone has their own degree to participating in social media and this is a personal choice for many reasons. I do have a significant personal presence on social media in my personal life. I am also aware of the negative aspects of social media including comments and negative thoughts. Generally, people post positive things on social media which sometimes is not at all deceptive of real life but how we portray our lives on social media. 

In the present day where the public is quick to judge/scrutinize health care systems, workers, practices and policies an online presence maybe a bigger risk than benefit to health care workers. Many choose to have one private and one professional account, yet this does not guarantee that the healthcare worker will not be found on social media. A simple post on social media stating views, religious stances etc can have a big impact on careers, professional reputation, employers and can lead to how the public views you and your health care organization and your health care profession.

Having said this, social media can also have a positive influence when used correctly. It is an invaluable tool for health care practitioners to share information, network, policies and changing practice within an institution or across the province/nation. It is also an important tool to share about your profession and educate the public. Sharing accurate health care information with the public and try to mitigate false information is important in the healthcare field and through the internet. 

As a professional who works in health care many of us are scared to speak out due to professional bodies and workplaces silencing us. Becoming familiar with regulations of your licensing body, professional acts of conduct and ethics is also important for health professionals and using social media in everyday and our professional careers.