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Digital professionalism: maintaining professional standards when using digital messaging platforms
Makondo, Christinah
Makondo, Christinah
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2026-03-09
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Accepted version
Adobe PDF, 947.25 KB
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Abstract
Nurses and nursing students increasingly use digital messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to share information and support each other. While these platforms offer convenience and immediacy, the informal nature of communication tends to blur professional boundaries, which can lead to breaches of professional standards and in some cases to regulatory sanctions. This article explores nurses' professional responsibilities in relation to the use of digital messaging platforms and the potential consequences of unprofessional digital conduct. It provides advice on recognising unprofessional digital conduct, considers the challenges of speaking up about such behaviour, and discusses the importance of education and leadership in supporting digital professionalism. By aligning their digital conduct with their professional standards, nurses can uphold digital professionalism, thereby protecting patient confidentiality, preserving team cohesion and maintaining public trust.
Citation
Makondo, C. (2026). Digital professionalism: maintaining professional standards when using digital messaging platforms. Nursing Standard, 41(5), 47-54. https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.2026.e12620
Publisher
RCN Publishing
Journal
Nursing Standard
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PubMed Central ID
Type
Article
Language
en
Description
This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a published work that appeared in final form in [Nursing Standard]. To access the final edited and published work see http://dx.doi.org/10.7748/ns.2026.e12620
Series/Report no.
ISSN
0029-6570
EISSN
2047-9018