The Relationship Between Social Media Use, Nurse Characteristics, and Job Decision-Making

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To describe nurses' use of social media and examine the relationship between social media use, nurse characteristics, and job decision-making. BACKGROUND Social media shares information, connects, and influences thought. A gap remains in understanding how nurses use social media for professional purposes. METHODS A national survey of RNs and advanced practice RNs included demographics, questions about which social media platforms respondents use personally and professionally, and engagement activities on each platform. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Cramér's V test, and binomial logistic regression. RESULTS Eight hundred twelve nurses participated. Platforms and activities used by nurses varied significantly by age, job title, and employment. The majority (61%) of respondents were satisfied or highly satisfied with their job, yet about one-third intended to leave their position or organization within 1 to 12 months. CONCLUSIONS Nurse leaders should adopt a strategic, data-informed approach to leverage social media in attracting and retaining a diverse nursing workforce.