Nurses at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) have raised serious concerns about the misuse of social media by some members of the profession.
The LUTH Nurses Executive issued a statement on Wednesday.
Deborah Martins-Akinlose signed the statement.
It described nursing as a noble, science-based and ethically grounded profession.
The profession has earned public trust through decades of sacrifice, competence and compassionate service.
The statement warned that indiscriminate use of social media to air unverified allegations, internal grievances and inflammatory narratives is eroding that trust.
It is distorting public perception of nurses.
Social media, when used responsibly, is a powerful tool for professional education, advocacy, public health enlightenment, policy engagement and promotion of nursing excellence.
Misuse for sensationalism, misrepresentation and public airing of internal conflicts causes more harm than good.
Potential consequences include loss of public confidence, weakened influence in health policy, diminished international collaboration opportunities and negative impacts on future generations of nurses.
The statement called for decisive intervention by nursing leaders, professional associations, regulatory bodies, training institutions, educators, administrators, union leaders, senior nurses and mentors.
They must set clear guidelines, enforce ethical standards and promote digital professionalism.
Silence or delay could prove costly and irreversible.
Nurses were advised to refrain from using social media to harm the profession’s image.
They should channel grievances through proper institutional mechanisms.
They must uphold core values of nursing ethics, confidentiality and professionalism.
The image of nursing is a collective heritage built over generations.
It must not be dismantled by momentary emotions or unregulated digital expressions.
The time to act is now.
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