Abstract
AIM: To identify and report the use of social media among pre-registration (pre-licence) student nurses. METHODS: A social survey was conducted in 2019 to explore student nurses' views of social media usage. Diffusion of innovation theory and social identity theory were used as the theoretical framework. A reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken of responses to an open-ended question. RESULTS: 351 responses were analysed. Four themes emerged: Social media as a communication tool that helps to keep in contact and communicate with friends, family, colleagues and peers; Social media and self-care including a sense of pride, boosting morale and helping to relax; Social media and learning by sharing experiences, chatting, posts and social media and professionalism, participants expressed confusion over the use of social media professionally. CONCLUSIONS: The diffusion of social media among UK student nurses is advancing in different aspects of UK student nurses' lives. However, the diffusion seems to slow down when it comes to the professional system. They express concerns that one social system can negatively impact another and have repercussions on a personal and/or professional level and therefore prevent UK student nurses from developing social media proficiencies. Guidance and support should be offered to UK student nurses to develop their social identity across the different systems. This diffusion can help to educate student nurses and future professionals in a globally connected world. IMPACT: Social media features in student nurses' personal and professional lives and presents challenges for social identity which is woven into the personal and professional personas. Nursing faculties should have social media competencies embedded into the curricula to develop and strengthen students' social and professional identities across the different systems. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No Patient or Public Contribution.