Demographic profiling of Caribbean and United Kingdom student nurses' use of social media for professional development

Background: Most students are adept in using technology and have developed skills and confidence utilising SoMe for professional purposes. SoMe is used by both registered nurses and student nurses.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the professional use of SoMe by student nurses in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and the UK to guide, support and develop implementation of effective and appropriate use of SoMe for professional development.

Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was completed by student nurses from the three countries. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results: The main reason for using social media among Caribbean participants was to watch videos or short clips whereas in UK it was downloading articles. Over 75% participants of all ages believed that social media was likely to help their career. There is no social media guidance for student nurses in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica.

Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that social media is embedded in student nurses' professional development throughout their education, with some variation in their use by country. Despite the fundamental place that social media plays in student nurses' professional development, there is no national or international guidance on how student nurses should use social media for professional development.