If you asked me 5 years ago whether social media would be something I ever cared about in my career, it would have been a hard ‘no’.

Fast forward to now, and social media (and this blog and website, of course!) are something that gives me just as much job satisfaction as my role in practice.

It’s also led to opportunities I never thought it would, and changed who I am as a person.

In this post, I’m sharing the ways the online veterinary community have made me a better nurse - as well as some of the most important lessons I’ve learned from talking about veterinary life online.

Also, don’t forget - we’re just 4 weeks away (at the time this post goes live) from the next VIMN free nursing workshop! Join me on the 14th of November as we explore the role of a medicine nurse, and put our heads together to work through 4 complex medical cases!

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It’s taught me new ways of caring for my patients

I never thought social media would teach me how to care for my patients. I was a serial textbook buyer and consumed books and journal articles, but didn’t realise there were so many amazing nurses who shared their practice lives, studies, and knowledge with others!

The amazing thing about this is that people’s passions and interests really vary - so you’ll always find new ways of doing things or new things to learn! And even if people have the same niche, they’ll have totally different ways of sharing information - so just because someone else is talking about something you’re interested in, doesn’t mean you can’t do it, too.

I’ve seen so many hints and tips shared online that I’ve taken back to practice - everything from catheter placement to making better blood smears and beyond!

As well as these practical skills, though, the educational content has made me think differently about my patients, and how I can apply this new information when I’m planning their care. So the next time you have a cool nursing tip or trick, or read an interesting article - share your knowledge! You’ll help your profession and impact so many patients!

It’s pushed me to learn more

I’m not going to lie - creating content is scary sometimes. It is absolutely a step out of your comfort zone and can make you an easy target, especially if someone disagrees with something you’ve said or if there’s an error in something you’ve shared (we’re all human, errors happen!). So research, and making sure everything is evidence-based, is vital.

I have learned so much more by writing posts than I would from working in practice alone.
It’s pushed me to find new studies and papers, look at different ways of doing things, and critically analyse evidence.

It’s also helped me with things like assignment writing, writing case studies, and creating CPD - because it’s given me the push to research what I want to write about.

Most importantly, though - It’s made me step even further away from that “but it’s how we’ve always done it” mentality and opened my mind to different options. And in an industry where we’re challenging that message, and continually trying to improve how we deliver care, that is vital.

It’s made me step out of my comfort zone

Social media is fantastic for building confidence - if you use in the right way. It has absolutely made me a more confident person. I used to be terrified of showing up, refusing to be in photos or videos - and now I can do that and feel comfortable with myself.

It’s made me say yes to new opportunities, like chatting to people on podcasts, and giving talks - something I never thought I’d have the confidence to do.

It’s introduced me to the most amazing people

The veterinary community is such a special place. There are so many creators sharing their passion and people I’ve met through this have honestly changed my life over the last few years. Many of my closest friends are people I’ve met online!

So if you’re worried about not being supported - you absolutely will be. This community is one of the most supportive there is.

4 of the most important lessons from online veterinary life

It’s all well and good talking about how social media has changed my veterinary life, but we all know socials can be a difficult place too. We need more of social media being used for good, being a source of inspiration and new ideas to improve the way we care for our patients - and less of the difficulties it can bring.

I wanted to round off this post by sharing a few things I’ve learned the hard way from talking about medical nursing online:

Be yourself

Be unapologetically you. Share your values, your passion, your sense of humour, your quirks... let people see the real you!

Don’t feel like you need to be someone you’re not - people want to know the real you, and your community will value what you have to say.

Don’t compare yourself to others

Comparison really is the thief of joy. It is too easy to constantly look at other people’s content, likes, follower numbers, etc. and feel like you’re not good enough. This is not true!

Social media is a highlight reel - people share what they want you to see. I don’t always share the days I sit on the sofa doing nothing, or the panic I have about whether my posts are good enough - because people don’t want to see that. Every social account has a human being behind it, living a life filled with highs, lows and the everyday in between. Don’t forget that.

Everyone’s journey is different - you can’t compare your chapter 4 to someone else’s chapter 21. Every single person walked into practice for the first time not knowing how to nurse at some point in their life, it might just be that they did that a few years before you.

Don’t pay attention to follower numbers or likes. Your worth doesn’t live in the number of people who follow you, or in the number of people who’ve liked what you’ve shared. Never forget that you’re making a difference to the people who do see your content, and their patients - as well as the ones you care for.

Don’t put pressure on yourself

You do not owe anyone (except your employer!) your time. Don’t feel pressured to share if you don’t want to! 

Social media should be fun - the moment it isn’t, is the moment to step away from it for a bit. So if you’re feeling like you have to create a post, but don’t want to… don’t.

You’ll actually make better content when you’re feeling energised and inspired to write. More isn’t always better - and your community won’t mind at all if you don’t post for a few days.

Be mindful of your professional status

We have a responsibility to use social media safely - that is, in line with the RCVS code, and your practice. Make sure your clinic are happy with your page and the kind of content you’re sharing - and remember not to share any patient images without consent. If you’re in doubt, there are plenty of stock images you can share or graphics you can make without needing to include any patient photos!

Social media can be such a force for good, introduce you to wonderful people, help you give even better care, teach you new skills and boost your confidence… but remember to be you whilst doing it!

Have you got a veterinary social account, or do you want to start one? If so, DM me on Instagram so I can follow and learn from you!