Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, your fired.

[ExpatMedic0]

Some of you may have herd about the FDNY EMS Lieutenant, who turned out to be a Nazi. He recently got busted for openly posting racist things and violating FDNY policy on his twitter account. He no longer works for FDNY EMS as a result. However, every year I see more and more EMS folks in the news, being disciplined, fired, or stepping down, all as a result of social media and posting work related things on the internet, or indentifying themselves as EMS providers with XYZ agency and getting fired.


below is a recent article with some of the latest.

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/emts_are_pic_and_twisted_WHMpohpsktzM2epWfrXw9I

In your opinion, is it ok for EMS folks to have a blog or social media outlet about there job? If so, what are the limitations? Other than HIPPA where does an EMS provider cross the line between his/her freedoms and violating policy?

 

[Smash]

Social media is the future of medical education and and networking. Of course you have to not be a complete moron when using it. If you are breaking patient confidentiality, running down your employer or in some other way being a knob then you have to expect trouble. The individuals in the article absolutely need action taken about them. Anyone taking photos as described in the article for personal gratification have no place in healthcare. I personally think there are potentially legitimate, educational reasons for taking photos so long as patient confidentiality is maintained and permission gained. But "gore books"? Just get out of healthcare and get some help.
With that said, organisations have to be sensible about policy and protocols regarding social media. They need to be proactive and embrace it rather than taking the approach of my employer which is essentially "Don't"
Joe Lex spoke at a recent conference on social media. His approach is to write down whatever he is thinking of tweeting, then having a think about it before pressing send. I think this is a very sensible strategy.

 

[ExpatMedic0]

But "gore books"? Just get out of healthcare and get some help.

lol ya first time I herd of "gore books" myself, pretty crazy!

Regarding social media and other digital outlets for EMS providers, its a sticky situation. I have a personal policy that I will not allow ANYONE I work with or any of there "friends of friends" onto my personal facebook page. Not because I have a "gore book" or some other creepy weird stuff to hide, its just my personal life.

 

[ExpatMedic0]

Also, here is an update on that Lt guy, http://www.emsworld.com/news/10911817/reporter-receives-threats-after-fdny-emt-story

 

[Aidey]

The Facebook page mentioned, emt/paramedic has had issues in the past with the pictures they post. I believe they are the ones that have a huge disclaimer on every photo saying it is for education purposes only etc.

Gore books are something I hadn't heard of, but when you start thinking about it, a lot of us could be accused of having them. How many people collect charts, 12 leads, pics of pts and xrays with plans to use them later when teaching a class or something?

 

[Achilles]

Other than HIPPA

What's HIPPA?


I'm not sure if we have a policy regarding social media or not, we so however have a "what is said in the station, stays at the station" kind of policy.
I'm just carefull what I post, (no profanity unless its in a PM)

 

[WuLabsWuTecH]

What's HIPPA?

As it was explained to me a few months ago when I made the same typo, it's a female, Mexican, hippopotamus.

But to the OP's point, what you do outside of work, if not regulated by the law, can in fact be regulated by your employer.

 

[WuLabsWuTecH]

I should be a bit more clear there--the law give you certain protections when off the clock, but it's not a carte blanche

 

[CFal]

some social media posts are protected by the national labor relations act, as long as you are not revealing protected information.

 

[JeffDHMC]

Future employment needs to be considered as well. Stating on your FB that you act lick an *** at work is a great way to be passed over for a job.

 

[exodus]

Future employment needs to be considered as well. Stating on your FB that you act lick an *** at work is a great way to be passed over for a job.

If I had to lick *** at work. Id be out too!

 

[Achilles]

If I had to lick *** at work. Id be out too!

I forgot about future employers though, good point...

 

[NYMedic828]

All FDNY employees are sworn to the following oath of office on their first day of employment:

I, (state your name) having been appointed to the rank of (state rank) in the Fire Department of the City of New York, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of such rank, according to the Laws, Regulations, and Orders governing the Department, and will obey the orders and directions of my superiors, to the best of my ability, so help me God.

Your 1st amendment rights grant you freedom of speech but the oath of office does not permit the same level of leniency.

You are sworn to uphold the above pledge on or off duty for the duration of your employment. Violation of such terms is regarded as a serious offense.

 

[VFlutter]

I follow some of these website and sometimes there is worthwhile information but most of the time it is just about the gore or shock factor and people pretending to know what they are talking about. I chuckle when someone posts a obvious STEMI EKG and you get 100 comments saying "it's a MI!". If even 1/4 of the people commenting are actually EMT/Medics I would be scared. The treatment plans people come up with for some of these trauma pics are absurd.

The problem with Facebook is that whenever someone liked or comments on a picture it can potentially show up on your friends news feed. So non medical people will get a gruesome picture on their news feed and get upset, and rightfully so.

I truly think that the Internet is a great learning tool and provides valuable educational opportunities but Facebook is not the venue for it.

 

[ExpatMedic0]

If I had to lick *** at work. Id be out too!

suddenly my HIPAA typo isen't all that bad

 

[Trashtruck]

All FDNY employees are sworn to the following oath of office on their first day of employment:

I, (state your name) having been appointed to the rank of (state rank) in the Fire Department of the City of New York, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of such rank, according to the Laws, Regulations, and Orders governing the Department, and will obey the orders and directions of my superiors, to the best of my ability, so help me God.

Your 1st amendment rights grant you freedom of speech but the oath of office does not permit the same level of leniency.

You are sworn to uphold the above pledge on or off duty for the duration of your employment. Violation of such terms is regarded as a serious offense.

Precisely.
I am not allowed to identify myself as an employee of (my employer) on any social media sites, nor can I have photos identifying myself as an employee of (my employer). It's policy. I can't fight it. People do get in trouble for it.
What I say and do off duty is the same as what I say and do on duty(for the most part).

 

[Clipper1]

below is a recent article with some of the latest.

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/emts_are_pic_and_twisted_WHMpohpsktzM2epWfrXw9I

In your opinion, is it ok for EMS folks to have a blog or social media outlet about there job? If so, what are the limitations? Other than HIPPA where does an EMS provider cross the line between his/her freedoms and violating policy?

At what point did commonsense no longer apply to EMS providers? Is the OP asking people to condone the examples he linked to? Do you really feel it is right to take photos of your patients with the intent of posting them for the amusement of others who share your like views of patients even if it means humiliation for the patient?

Those who toss the term HIPAA around are usually the least informed about privacy, security and confidentiality laws. Each of those terms are defined differently. HIPAA clearly states that state and local laws can exceed what it mandates. It does not cover everything and that is where State Patient Privacy Acts come in. Local agencies can also set stricter policies. Maybe now would be a good time for some to read their agency's manual. I also find it hard to believe that EMS providers are not given training upon hire and at least yearly updates on any new policies or regulations. It seems only a couple here actually know their company's policies.

This forum also compliments the scanner since it sometimes fills in the blanks for the interesting calls from last shift which some might hear about in their area and are curious about the details. Even though anonymous names are used, most have given enough information to know where you work and even who you are by some of the photos posted. Once people know you are discussing their neighbors it is easy to get the scoop off forums and social media to fuel the rumor mills.

With all the horrific events and patients which have been taken to the hospitals, how many times have you seen any details about the patients on the nursing forums? The few times privacy was violated the nurses made the local and national new quickly for their violations. Hospitals have huge IT departments which monitor employees for violations. For decades other health care professionals were taught in school and on the job not to even discuss your patients at home. It just takes your kid or spouse repeating something innocently to someone else and you can kiss your job good-bye and face stiff penalties from the state. It just now looks like EMS is catching up. This is nothing new in the world of health care. It seems to just be new to EMS. Having access to more media still does not make it right to violate the trust people place in your when they are most vulnerable.

 

[ExpatMedic0]

At what point did commonsense no longer apply to EMS providers? Is the OP asking people to condone the examples he linked to? Do you really feel it is right to take photos of your patients with the intent of posting them for the amusement of others who share your like views of patients even if it means humiliation for the patient?

I do not condone or support anything from the link I posted. I most certainly do not support any form of racism or patient confidentiality breach. I was more interested in the general topic at hand and what others had to say. I thought it was an interesting topic.

 

[RocketMedic]

Precisely.
I am not allowed to identify myself as an employee of (my employer) on any social media sites, nor can I have photos identifying myself as an employee of (my employer). It's policy. I can't fight it. People do get in trouble for it.
What I say and do off duty is the same as what I say and do on duty(for the most part).

And of course, positive social media contributions are ignored.
My employer uses a closed Facebook group as a scheduling device, works well.
Personally, I much prefer agencies where social media is an accepted, intelligently-used tool, not verboten.

 

[mycrofft]

Dang, Clipper!

At what point did commonsense no longer apply to EMS providers? Is the OP asking people to condone the examples he linked to? Do you really feel it is right to take photos of your patients with the intent of posting them for the amusement of others who share your like views of patients even if it means humiliation for the patient?

Those who toss the term HIPAA around are usually the least informed about privacy, security and confidentiality laws. Each of those terms are defined differently. HIPAA clearly states that state and local laws can exceed what it mandates. It does not cover everything and that is where State Patient Privacy Acts come in. Local agencies can also set stricter policies. Maybe now would be a good time for some to read their agency's manual. I also find it hard to believe that EMS providers are not given training upon hire and at least yearly updates on any new policies or regulations. It seems only a couple here actually know their company's policies.

This forum also compliments the scanner since it sometimes fills in the blanks for the interesting calls from last shift which some might hear about in their area and are curious about the details. Even though anonymous names are used, most have given enough information to know where you work and even who you are by some of the photos posted. Once people know you are discussing their neighbors it is easy to get the scoop off forums and social media to fuel the rumor mills.

With all the horrific events and patients which have been taken to the hospitals, how many times have you seen any details about the patients on the nursing forums? The few times privacy was violated the nurses made the local and national new quickly for their violations. Hospitals have huge IT departments which monitor employees for violations. For decades other health care professionals were taught in school and on the job not to even discuss your patients at home. It just takes your kid or spouse repeating something innocently to someone else and you can kiss your job good-bye and face stiff penalties from the state. It just now looks like EMS is catching up. This is nothing new in the world of health care. It seems to just be new to EMS. Having access to more media still does not make it right to violate the trust people place in your when they are most vulnerable.

This post could have been more productive had it been about you and not about the rest of us. I'll assume that it is all your opinion and the rhetorical questions are just that, not accusations.

That said (harrumph), I basically agree with you. Although some cases have been made for exceptionally repulsive stuff being an amendment right, being unprofessional or presenting matter which injures the company /agency or its clients and employees can rightly get you fired and make it darn hard to get hired elsewhere. It could even lead to loss of license or certificate (doesn't yours have a clause about "moral turpitude"?).

And public employees....double that. Some states, if you are their employee you can lose your retirement investment (you get the principle back, you lose all accrued interest) for ANY felony. Gotta not only be sharp, but look sharp, too.

Now, party photos and etc., as long as they don't create a workplace issue, ought to be protected, I think. And if the workplace issue is due to someone else being upset about it, some counseling for both of you seems in order. Starting with "Grow Up".


PS: as with tattoos, ever see a fire chief, or senator, whose career survives outrageous posting of material? Yeah, nor I. Word to the wise, unless you want to be frozen in your career ladder as a juvenile, ditch the t shirt with your naked GF on it and stop with the pouting onesies on Facebook.