A Research Paper on Social Media as Educational Interventions for Nurses Professional Development in The Philippines: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the role of social media as an educational intervention for nurses' professional development in the Philippines. Adopting a qualitative phenomenological descriptive research design, the study systematically explores how nurses perceive and engage with social media for their professional growth. Data were collected from 20 nurses across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao using purposive sampling, with criteria emphasizing at least one year of service and active use of social media for professional development. The findings indicate that social media serves as a significant platform for accessing digital learning resources, facilitating professional networking, and enabling the shift from traditional learning methodologies to more interactive, flexible, and visual forms of education. However, concerns regarding the reliability of content and technological access barriers suggest a need for enhanced digital literacy and infrastructure.The study advocates for a hybrid learning model that combines the immediacy and flexibility of social media with the depth of traditional learning to provide a comprehensive professional development experience. Recommendations include refining digital platforms to improve accessibility and content quality, establishing guidelines for online conduct, and developing critical thinking and information verification skills among nurses. The study contributes to understanding the evolving landscape of nursing education, emphasizing the necessity for a balanced approach to integrating social media into professional development practices.