Record keeping and social media

Abstract A hallmark of good nursing practice is evident in how it is recorded and communicated to colleagues and other members of the healthcare team. Local policy and procedures will dictate how this important duty is undertaken in specific settings, but key principles ensure that professional standards, ethical guidelines, and legal requirements are upheld. Systems of recording nursing decisions and actions have changed greatly over the years but, whatever the format, each individual nurse is responsible and accountable for electronic, digital, and written communication. Accurate and efficient record keeping has benefits for the recipient of care, and for the nurse if their practice is ever called into question. Many aspects of contemporary social and professional life now take place online and through social networking sites, which presents both opportunities and risks for nurses. In this chapter, the relationship between clear and accurate record keeping, social media, and professional practice are considered in the context of the shifting boundaries between public and private space.