White paper: a nurse's guide to the use of social media.

Introduction The use of social media and other electronic communication is increasing exponentially with growing numbers of social media outlets, platforms and applications, including blogs, social networking sites, video sites, and online chat rooms and forums. Nurses often use electronic media both personally and professionally. Instances of inappropriate use of electronic media by nurses have been reported to boards of nursing (BONs) and, in some cases, reported in nursing literature and the media. This document is intended to provide guidance to nurses using electronic media in a manner that maintains patient privacy and confidentiality.