The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana has cautioned trainees, nurses, nursing assistants and midwives to desist from engaging in unprofessional conduct through their publications on social media.
A statement issued by the Council said its attention had been drawn to a series of complaints involving the categories of persons stated above who are using social media to engage in unprofessional conduct.
According to the Council, these publications constitute gross misconduct and are in clear breach of the Code of Ethics for professionals.
“These publications and videos depict conduct that is grossly unprofessional and in direct contravention of the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct governing the nursing and midwifery professions.”
It outlined some of the issues it classed as unprofessional conduct, which are as follows: The misuse of the nursing and midwifery uniform in the creation of social media content that purports to educate the public or fellow practitioners without due authorisation;The use of abusive, derogatory and offensive language directed at leadership and other stakeholders and the dissemination of misleading or unverified health information under the guise of professional advice.The Council warned that it holds the exclusive mandate in awarding accreditation to institutions and individuals; hence, no individual or group can engage in public education without approval.
“The Council reiterates that it holds the exclusive mandate to accredit institutions and license individuals to practice as Nurse Assistants, Nurses and Midwives in Ghana. Consequently, no individual or group is permitted to provide public education or professional guidance under the guise of the Council without prior approval or accreditation.
All Students and Practitioners are hereby cautioned to desist from engaging in any form of unprofessional conduct, particularly on social media platforms. The Council will not hesitate to invoke the necessary disciplinary measures, including suspension or revocation of licenses, against any individual found culpable of breaching the professional Code of Conduct.”
The Council called on stakeholders to uphold the dignity and sanctity of the Nursing and Midwifery professions.
It further admomished them to report any such misconduct to the Council for appropriate action.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
