Implementing social media into nursing education

Abstract

Social media is an aspect of everyday life for many undergraduate nursing students and can also be beneficial from an education perspective. Popular social media platforms can be used as often as daily for many nursing students. The emergence of Generation Z (born between 1995-2010) as the predominant population of nursing students calls for a shift in pedagogical approaches; one that accommodates the needs of the unique demographic. This narrative literature review examines how social media can provide an effective pedagogical tool to engage the modern undergraduate nursing student by providing a platform for accessible educational activities, fostering professional identity and encourages virtual professionalism for this unique Generation. Guided by a constructivist approach and the Social Media for Learning (SM4L) framework, this pedagogical approach could foster student engagement and promote appropriate use of social media in the personal and professional lives of nursing students. Additionally, these innovative nurses can enter the workforce prepared to use social media tools to disseminate health information and patient teaching appropriately and professionally, providing better access and improved care for patients.