In today’s digitally connected world, students and healthcare professionals face new opportunities and challenges when navigating online spaces. As emerging healthcare professionals, students must develop awareness and skills related to digital safety and eProfessionalism to effectively manage their online presence. Digital safety is the practice of protecting personal information and maintaining privacy. eProfessionalism refers to upholding a professional identity and adhering to ethical standards in online interactions.

With social media, online networking and digital communication now integral to personal and professional life, understanding the principles of digital safety and eProfessionalism is essential. This chapter explores how students can build a strong and secure digital identity that reflects their values and supports their professional goals. By mastering these principles early, students can lay a foundation for a successful career while protecting their privacy and reputation in the digital realm.

1. Introduction to digital safety and professionalism

Social media has very broad definitions, as it is constantly evolving. Basically, it refers mainly to internet-based tools that allow individuals and communities to gather, communicate and share ideas, personal messages and so on (Ventola, 2014). The following is a general list of common types of social media. Be mindful that these types provide a variety of features that serve different purposes (Ventola, 2014).

• Social networking
• Professional networking
• Media sharing
• Content production
• Knowledge information
• Virtual reality and gaming.

eProfessionalism is also a broad term used to describe behaviours in the online environment for professionals, including nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals (Ryan et al., 2019). From the general public’s perspective, a range of factors influence what the public thinks is ‘OK’ and ‘not OK’ in relation to online environments. Public perspectives differ locally, nationally and globally based on cultural and social beliefs. People will make personal decisions about what they interpret in relation to the intent of social media content – for example, whether it is malicious or harmful.

Misuse of social media can have serious implications for nursing and midwifery students. This is an area of growing concern in higher education for healthcare professionals (Westrick, 2016). As a result, there has been an increased focus on education about the use of social media, how it can become a distraction and its impact on professionalism. While most students use social media for personal reasons, many popular sites also promote social and educational uses. It is this cross-over of focus that can lead to inadvertent breaches of privacy and impacts on eProfessionalism (Duke et al., 2017). Safety in relation to the use of public platforms requires increased awareness.

When you think of digital safety, what comes to mind? You might think you can’t be ‘unsafe’ online because you do not feel physically at threat. But digital safety refers to practices and the strategies you take to protect your personal information online. Think about your digital footprint and how that relates to your professional life.

Now consider eProfessionalism, which is the way people present themselves professionally in online spaces.

• What would a future employer think of the nursing student’s post above?
• How can the student vent their frustrations in a more private and professional manner?
• What steps can you take to build a professional online identity that you’re proud to share?
• How do you feel about working with someone who makes social media posts in this manner? Would there be implications for your own professional identity if you were to ‘like’ this type of post.

1.1 Codes of conduct and social media guidelines

Once you have recorded your thoughts on the problems in the post above, refer to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) codes of conduct (for nursing or midwifery – whichever is relevant).

Note the content in Section 3.5 Confidentiality and privacy under the domain Practise safely, effectively and collaboratively and Principle 3: Cultural practice and respectful relationships.

See also – ANMF Social Media policy

Revisit your thoughts from the activity above and consider if further additions are required. Then read the box below to see what we identified.

Now share the post with a friend or family member. What do they think about it? You may be surprised at how they also perceive the post.

Be mindful when sharing on social media that your voice is not present to explain the context or intent, nor can you predict how a post will be perceived.

Remember that you also have no control over a post once it has been published.

Refer again to the nursing or midwifery code of conduct. Note the content under the domain Act with professional integrity and Principle 4: Professional behaviour.

Consider how to engage safely and effectively in professional relationships. Revisit your thoughts from above and consider if you have further additions for your reflection.

1.2 What is the potential impact of online conduct?

Posts like the one above and those outlined in the video can have lasting personal and professional consequences. They can damage your reputation, now and in the future. Employers and professional peers will often review social media profiles, meaning that even a single unprofessional post can harm future employment opportunities.

• Consider the implications of future employment opportunities or if the people you provide care for, or their family members saw that social media post three years from now.

These types of posts also pose the potential for disciplinary actions from regulatory bodies, which may view them as a breach of the NMBA professional code of conduct, leading to reprimands or restrictions. National boards such as the NMBA can consider social media use in your private life, more so if concerns are raised about fitness to hold registration. Be mindful that even if a post is made with privacy settings, its content can often still be accessed.

Website

Check out the NMBA guidance statement on social media: Social media: How to meet your obligations under the national law

Note the content under the title ‘What are the common pitfalls when using social media?’

• See also – ANMF Social Media policy

Consider the following real-life case where a hospital fired four nurses for making disparaging comments about patients in a TikTok video.

The public, and people accessing health care, place their trust in healthcare professionals. Mistakes that you make online can negatively impact people’s overall confidence in health professionals. When incidents like this occur, the NMBA takes disciplinary action, like cancelling or disqualifying registration.

The 3 C’s of digital safety for health care

Control: control who sees your posts and personal information

Consistency: maintain consistent professionalism across all online platforms

Confidentiality: uphold patient confidentiality as a non-negotiable standard, even in casual discussions

2. Understanding digital safety: risks and protections

In the digital world, navigating online spaces safely is an essential skill, particularly for emerging healthcare professionals who must balance personal and professional responsibilities. Understanding common risks and implementing effective protection strategies is critical for maintaining security and professionalism. Let’s explore some common online risks.

2.1 Risks

Data breaches

A data breach occurs when unauthorised individuals gain access to personal or professional information. This could include sensitive details like passwords, health records or financial data.

There have been recent examples in the media where large organisations have experienced data breaches that have exposed millions of users’ private information.

Beyond personal inconvenience, breaches can harm professional credibility, especially if workplace data is compromised and you contributed to the breach occurring.

Phishing attacks

Phishing involves fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information, such as login credentials, by pretending to be a trustworthy entity.

You may receive an email claiming to be from a trusted service, asking you to click on a link and update your password. When you click these links, they can compromise your accounts or allow malware to be installed on your device.

Oversharing

Let’s think about you, the information that you share online and the impact on you and the organisation. Sharing excessive personal information such as your location, daily routine or confidential work details is referred to as oversharing. You might post a photo with sensitive documents visible in the background, or you might discuss workplace care or patient information on social media. Oversharing can lead to privacy breaches, personal security threats or professional boundary violations.

Weak passwords

Using simple, common or reused passwords across multiple accounts can be a threat in the online space. Passwords like ‘123456’ or ‘password’ make it easy for hackers to access your accounts. Weak passwords are primary entry points for cybercriminals to exploit personal and professional data.

Malware and ransomware

Malware or ransomware is malicious software designed to disrupt, damage or gain unauthorised access to a computer system. Downloading a seemingly harmless file that installs ransomware can end up locking your system until a ransom payment is made. Malware can compromise sensitive data, disrupt work and incur financial costs.

2.2 Protection strategies

Let’s now explore some protection strategies for the above risks.

Strong passwords

To protect yourself online, use long, complex passwords containing a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Use a secure password manager to generate and store passwords and change passwords regularly. When accessing your university or hospital login, consciously think about these strategies as important to protect yourself, the people you care for and your employers.

Multi-factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification (e.g. a code sent to your phone) to log in. Enable MFA wherever possible.

Think before you click

Be wary of links in emails, texts or pop-ups from unknown sources. Verify the sender before clicking. Use tools like URL checkers to ensure the safety of websites.

Secure your devices

Keep your operating system, software and apps up to date with the latest security patches. Install reputable antivirus software and conduct regular scans for threats.

Privacy settings

Review and customise the privacy settings on all your accounts to limit who can see your personal and professional information. Regularly audit your social media profiles to ensure you’re not inadvertently sharing sensitive information. Remember that privacy settings can provide a false sense of security. Information might still be public and subject to disclosure at some point (Westrick, 2016).

Be selective with sharing

Think critically about what you share online. Ask yourself:

• Does this reveal too much about my personal life?
• Could this post violate confidentiality or professional standards?
• Would I be comfortable if this information became public?

3. Building a professional digital identity

Establishing a professional digital identity is an essential step for emerging health professionals. Your online presence should reflect your values, highlight your expertise, and maintain clear boundaries between your personal and professional life.

3.1 How to build a professional online presence

Create a professional profile

Use a platform like LinkedIn to showcase your skills, qualifications and achievements. Include a professional headshot and write a clear, concise biography that communicates your career goals.

Maintain consistency across platforms

Use the same name and professional image across all platforms to create a cohesive and recognisable online identity. Ensure your username and handles are appropriate and reflect your professional aspirations.

Post with purpose

Share industry-relevant articles, personal achievements, and insights that reflect your passion and expertise. Avoid posting controversial or irrelevant content that might misalign with your professional values.

Audit your digital footprint

Search for your name online to identify existing content that may affect your professional reputation. Make sure the following are not found in your digital footprint:

• Discussions of educational or work-related issues, including criticisms or complaints about others.
• Shared content of unflattering images or comments about your educational institution, tutors, lecturers, placement location or fellow students, or those you are providing care for.

Remove or privatise any unprofessional or outdated content. Remember that if you can find negative content that you have posted or agreed with (e.g. ‘liked’ or in some instances even viewed) then so can others, including future employers.

3.2 Differentiating personal and professional use

Your ‘off duty’ social media conduct can be compared against professional standards.

Personal accounts: set strict privacy settings to limit who can view your posts. Avoid sharing sensitive information or controversial opinions publicly. Do not have a false sense of security merely because you are in a closed group or have privacy settings – content can also be shared from there. Your digital presence in a closed group can still imply a lack of professionalism.

Professional accounts: keep posts professional, focusing on career-related topics. Engage with peers and organisations to build your professional network. Consider professional boundaries, and do not include as ‘friends’ those you are caring for, likely to be caring for or have previously cared for.

4. Privacy and data protection in professional spaces

Protecting your privacy and data in online spaces is crucial for safeguarding your professional reputation and personal information.

5. Ethical and legal considerations in online conduct

Online behaviour carries ethical responsibilities and potential legal implications, particularly in professional contexts.

Refer to your professional standards, and think about the application of these in online conduct:

• Nursing students, access the Registered nurse standards for practice
• Midwifery students, access the Midwifery standards for practice
• If you are studying in another health profession, look up your own standards.

Know and follow the explicit guidelines, policies and rules that are in place for your educational institution and workplace in relation to mobile phone use, photography and electronic communications.

activity

Review the following infographic, developed after a review of the literature on eProfessionalism in nursing and midwifery. Consider the findings in relation to the blurring or overlapping of personal and professional boundaries.

• What are your thoughts on the findings on professionalism?
• How do professional standards influence your understanding of ethical online behaviour?
• What challenges might you face in maintaining professionalism online, and how can you overcome them?

6. Practical strategies for eProfessionalism

To maintain a professional and effective online presence, follow these key strategies:

• Use clear, professional and respectful language in all online interactions.
• Avoid emojis, slang or casual language in formal or professional contexts.
• Prioritise sharing content that aligns with your professional values and expertise.
• Cite credible sources and provide appropriate attributions when sharing external content.
• Engage thoughtfully with professional networking communities by commenting on posts, joining discussions and attending virtual events.
• Use platforms like LinkedIn or X to connect with colleagues and industry leaders and maintain a professional tone.

7. Equity, Access and Diversity in Digital Health

Digital health is transforming how healthcare is delivered, improving access, efficiency, and continuity of care across many settings. But while these technologies offer new opportunities, they don’t benefit everyone equally. For digital health to be truly effective and ethical, it must be inclusive, accessible, and culturally safe—especially for those in rural and remote areas and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

As a nursing or midwifery student, you may experience some of these challenges firsthand. If you live or study in a rural area, you might face slow internet, limited access to devices, or fewer chances to build digital confidence. These issues can affect your learning, your ability to participate in telehealth or online placements, and even how you use digital systems in practice. Understanding these barriers is essential—not just for yourself, but to advocate for equity on behalf of the people you will care for.

First Nations students often navigate additional layers of complexity. Mainstream digital platforms may not reflect the cultural values and knowledge-sharing practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, which are grounded in relationships, oral storytelling, and collective decision-making. Without cultural awareness, digital health systems can unintentionally exclude or disrespect these ways of knowing, leading to data misuse or loss of trust.

As future professionals, it’s important to critically reflect on how digital health can uphold—or undermine—cultural safety. This includes understanding the concept of data sovereignty, recognising the impact of algorithmic bias, and advocating for systems that centre Indigenous perspectives from the start.

By bringing equity, cultural safety, and inclusion to the forefront of digital health education, you’ll be equipped to use technology in a way that supports—not sidelines—the diverse people and communities you’ll work with. Nursing and midwifery students have a vital role to play in building a digital health future that is not only innovative, but socially just.

8. Scenarios

Consider the following scenarios and answer the prompting questions.

9. Final reflections

In this chapter, we have explored the foundational concepts of digital safety, eProfessionalism and online conduct, equipping you with the tools to navigate the digital world responsibly.

• How does your current online presence align with your professional goals?
• What steps can you take to enhance your eProfessionalism?
• How might you manage a situation where a colleague posts unprofessional content online?

Creating a digital presence that aligns with your career goals while safeguarding your privacy is an essential skill in the modern professional landscape. By understanding the principles of digital safety and eProfessionalism, you can create an online identity that not only reflects your values but also upholds the ethical and legal standards of your profession. Through thoughtful content sharing, robust privacy practices and a commitment to respectful online interactions, you can build a digital footprint that supports your aspirations and protects your reputation. As emerging professionals, mastering these strategies early lays the groundwork for a successful career in an increasingly interconnected and digital world.

Reflect on your current online presence and ask yourself: Does it represent the professional you aim to become?

By taking intentional steps today, you can confidently navigate the online environment and foster meaningful connections that align with your career goals.

10. Conclusion

This chapter described digital safety and eProfessionalism and outlined how they are important in professional and educational contexts. It started with the common risks and challenges associated with digital interactions and social media in professional environments. It also provided a summary of the types of practical strategies that can be used for maintaining privacy, how protection of data can occur and the importance of maintaining professional boundaries in digital spaces.

The chapter introduced the evolving ethical considerations and implications of online behaviour and outlined the implications of using social media and its impacts on professional reputations and individual credibility. By working through examples of appropriate decision-making in online communication and interaction, the chapter provided practical means on how to develop and maintain professional digital identity. This all constitutes important foundational knowledge and introduces those new to health to the complexity of digital safety.

In addition, the chapter looked at how to build and establish professional identity guidance, and ethical and legal considerations in online conduct. Practical steps and strategies were introduced, along with tips on how to develop and maintain digital eProfessionalism and the 3 Cs of digital safety for health care.

The chapter included examples, case studies and scenarios to illustrate the inherent challenges in digital safety and professional decision-making. Ranging from social media for personal or professional use to understanding digital safety, links were provided to professional codes of conduct and guidelines on how to meet national legal obligations. Students have also been encouraged to consider educational institution polices and guidelines on social media and information technology.

11. Further reading

Websites

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation: Social media and online networking guidance note

Nursing and Midwifery Board: Social media: How to meet your obligations under the national law

Journal articles

Canali, S., Schiaffonati, V., & Aliverti, A. (2022). Challenges and recommendations for wearable devices in digital health: Data quality, interoperability, health equity, fairness. PLOS Digit Health, 1(10), e0000104. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pdig.0000104

Cresswell, N. R., Walker, S. T., Harrison, C., & Kent, F. (2024). Teaching digital interprofessional collaboration. The Clinical Teacher, 21(6), e13651. https://doi.org/10.1111/tct.13651

Mather, C. A., & Cummings, E. (2019). Developing and sustaining digital professionalism: a model for assessing readiness of healthcare environments and capability of nurses. BMJ Health & Care Informatics, 26(1), e100062. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjhci-2019-100062

Mather, C., James, A., & Douglas, T. (2023). Digital professionalism includes using artificial intelligence (AI) for safety and quality outcomes. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal, 28(2), 38–38.

12. References

Duke, V. J. A., Anstey, A., Carter, S., Gosse, N., Hutchens, K. M., & Marsh, J. A. (2017). Social media in nurse education: utilization and e-professionalism. Nurse Education Today, 57, 8–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2017.06.009

Gum, L., Brown, A., Royals, R., Matricciani, L., & Kelly, M. A. (2024). Digital professionalism in preregistration nursing and midwifery students: A scoping review to explore perceptions of professionalism when using social media. Nurse Education in Practice, 80, 104128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2024.104128

Jackson, R. (2022). Emory Hospital nurses no longer employed after viral TikTok mocking expecting mothers. ALIVE. https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/emory-hospital-nurses-no-longer-employed-after-viral-tiktok-criticizing-labor-and-delivery-patients/85-2b9c8730-9949-4e1c-b5e3-2be4de04e297

NSW Department of Health. (2025). Engage outpatients – Outpatient referral management. NSW Government. https://www.ehealth.nsw.gov.au/solutions/patient-experience/electronic-referral/engage-outpatients

Ryan, G., Jackson, J., & Cornock, M. (2019). Exploring public perspectives of e-professionalism in nursing. Nursing Management (2014+), 26(6), 29–35. https://doi.org/10.7748/nm.2019.e1870

Seshadri, D. R., Davies, E. V., Harlow, E. R., Hsu, J. J., Knighton, S. C., Walker, T. A., Voos, J. E., & Drummond, C. K. (2020). Wearable sensors for COVID-19: A call to action to harness our digital infrastructure for remote patient monitoring and virtual assessments. Frontiers in Digital Health, 2, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fdgth.2020.00008

Ventola, C. L. (2014). Social media and health care professionals: Benefits, risks, and best practices. P T. 39(7), 491–520.

Westrick, S. J. (2016). Nursing students’ use of electronic and social media: Law, ethics, and e-professionalism. Nursing Education Perspectives, 37(1). https://journals.lww.com/neponline/fulltext/2016/01000/nursing_students__use_of_electronic_and_social.5.aspx