No abstract

Analysis of discipline of nurses by the Missouri Board of Nursing, 2000-2003, demonstrated differing rates by gender. Males received disproportionately high rates at 18.9%, although they represented 7.5% of Missouri nurses. Males received more severe discipline than females, with higher rates of license suspension and revocation, regardless of infractions or license level. Males surrendered licenses at higher rates. For 3 of the 28 infractions, males exceeded the number of females by a ratio of 2:1. Males committed one infraction that females did not. For three infractions, females outnumbered males by a ratio of 2:1. Females committed eight infractions not committed by males, including four murders. Consistent with previous studies, substance abuse was the behavior disciplined in the majority of cases (41.3%). Disparity in nurse discipline suggests the need for further study to analyze contributing factors, roles that nursing culture and gendered behaviors may play in the disciplinary process.

As technological advances continue to expand connectivity and communication, the number of patients and nurses engaging in social media increases. Nurses play a significant role in identification, interpretation, and transmission of knowledge and information within healthcare. Social media is a platform that can assist nursing faculty in helping students to gain greater understanding of and/or skills in professional communication; health policy; patient privacy and ethics; and writing competencies. Although there are barriers to integration of social media within nursing education, there are quality resources available to assist faculty to integrate social media as a viable pedagogical method. This article discusses the background and significance of social media tools as pedagogy, and provides a brief review of literature. To assist nurse educators who may be using or considering social media tools, the article offers selected examples of sound and pedagogically functional use in course and program applications; consideration of privacy concerns and advantages and disadvantages; and tips for success.