NMC code advice on digital communications

Moorley, Calvin

Authors Calvin Moorley is senior lecturer, adult nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Care, London Southbank University, and Roger Watson is professor of nursing, University of Hull.

Nursing Times 111(14):p 22-23, April 1, 2015.

•This article has been double-blind peer reviewed

The Nursing and Midwifery Council's new code takes the first step in promoting online professionalism and appropriate behaviour in the use of social networking

Abstract

Moorley C, Watson, R (2015) NMC code advice on digital communications.

Nurses and midwives are increasingly using social media as a professional tool. This is reflected in the Nursing and Midwifery Council's (NMC) new professional code, which says nurses must use social media and other communication responsibly, respecting the right to privacy of others at all times. A growing body of literature documents the positive influence social media, when used appropriately, can have on nurses' practice and the care they deliver to patients. However, nurses need more guidance and training to ensure online professionalism and appropriate behaviour online. Requiring nurses and midwives to complete an online continuous professional development course on social networking at the point of revalidation could keep them up to date and promote online professionalism.