Social Media and Electronic Communication Policy
This policy applies to all nursing students who use social media or internet-based platforms in relation to school-related activities, including but not limited to classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences.
The use of social media must reflect the professional standards of the nursing profession and the values of Ogeechee Technical College. Students are expected to maintain the highest levels of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability when engaging in online communication. All use of social media must comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), regardless of whether communication occurs through personal accounts or public forums.
Definition of Social Media
Social media includes all digital communication tools that allow users to create, share, or exchange content. This includes but is not limited to: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, blogs, podcasts, Allnurses.com, Wikipedia, and online forums.
General Guidelines for Social Media Use
Students must use sound professional judgment when using social media, even outside the academic environment. Social media content is public, permanent, and easily traceable.
Professional Use of Technology in Class and Clinical
Devices such as iPads or laptops are permitted only for note-taking or approved classwork. Any use of devices for social media, texting, or unrelated activity during instruction is prohibited and considered unprofessional behavior.
Repeated disruptions will result in disciplinary action. Violations of this policy are serious and may result in academic or legal consequences, including but not limited to: Immediate dismissal from the nursing program for violations of HIPAA, including unauthorized sharing of patient/client information; Disciplinary action for sharing confidential, defamatory, or unprofessional content, which may include course failure or program dismissal; Legal liability for violations of copyright law, harassment, defamation, or dissemination of protected information.