SPECIAL SESSION: The Nurses's Social Media Advantage: Learning the Basics and How These Tools Can Help Your Career

Description/Overview: Social media is not a trend, or invention. It is an evolution in the means of communication and collaboration. There is no denying that the realities of social media are here to stay, and instead of ignoring it nurses need to embrace it in order to begin to understand how they, health care and most importantly patients can benefit, while mitigating risk. Whether you are a student, novice or expert in nursing a firm understanding of social media and what it means to your profession is important to help you to learn what tools are available to you, if you choose to use them. This session will provide a basic understanding of the terminonology, functions of the tools and webservices offered online, as well as discuss the various risks and pitfalls. For those unfamilar with the technology this session will provide a basic understanding of the tools, and for those who use the tools this session will offer new perspectives on how you can use your social media accounts to further your career and professional image.