In an era where nurses and healthcare workers are not just caregivers but content creators, social media has become a double-edged sword—an unfiltered window into the world of healthcare, wielded with equal parts power and peril.

From frontline chronicles during the chaos of COVID-19 to viral dance trends and raw stories of burnout, the rise of “nurse influencers” has given the public unprecedented access to the heart of America’s most trusted profession.

But while this digital shift offers opportunities to amplify nursing’s voice and redefine its narrative, it also raises urgent questions: Is it possible for nurse leaders to regain control of the story when some posts expose cracks in the system? How can hospitals address growing dissatisfaction shared online without alienating their workforce or losing public trust?

With nursing’s reputation as the gold standard of ethics slipping, CNOs must step into a new role: social media strategist. The same platforms that spark division can also inspire collaboration if approached with transparency and purpose.

In today's lead story, let’s take a look at how CNOs can get involved with social media.

This week was National Nurses Week, meant to celebrate the essential contributions that nurses make in communities worldwide. HealthLeaders participated in the celebration with a week full of events and coverage. Thank you for joining us!

Social Media Shifted the Nursing Narrative. Is It Too Late for Nurse Leaders to Weigh In?

In a social media landscape shaped by hashtags, algorithms, and viral posts, nurse leaders must decide: Will they let the narrative spiral, or can they adapt and join the conversation?

In 2025, CNOs Must Continue the Conversation on Social Media

To stay on top of the nursing narrative, CNOs must jump at the opportunity to connect with the public and with their own staff through social media.

Infographic: 5 CNO Tips for Posting on Social Media

In 2025, CNOs need to begin leveraging social media as a tool for connection with their workforce and the public.

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As the nursing shortage continues, CNOs are finding it more difficult to retain nurses and grow the next generation of nurse leaders. Read the 2025 HealthLeaders Nurses Week eBook to learn how to foster your nursing workforce in times of uncertainty.

Infographic: 3 Ways CNOs Can Leverage Social Media

Social media is here to stay, and CNOs must adapt.