What happens when a nurse’s shift goes viral for all the wrong reasons?

In today’s hyper connected world, the line between personal expression and professional responsibility has never been thinner especially for nurses. Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook offer powerful ways to connect, educate, and advocate. But when used carelessly, they can also lead to serious consequences. That’s exactly what happened in May 2025, when Florida nurse Yazz Scott livestreamed her medication round on TikTok. Her video, filled with unprofessional behavior, a medication error, and potential HIPAA violations, quickly went viral, sparking outrage and a national conversation about digital professionalism in healthcare.

The Incident That Sparked a Firestorm

Yazz Scott, a newly licensed nurse, was livestreaming herself during her shift at a nursing home. Viewers watched as she administered medications, discussed patients aloud, and even made a documented medication error—all while reading and responding to live comments. The video, filled with unprofessional conduct, potential HIPAA violations, and improper clinical technique, quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons.

Despite her attempts to downplay concerns during the broadcast, saying, “If you see some patient information, just holla”, the backlash was swift and severe. Nursing leaders, patient advocates, and healthcare institutions condemned the livestream as a reckless violation of trust and ethics.

Why This Matters

At the heart of nursing is a sacred trust: patients rely on nurses not only for medical care but for confidentiality, dignity, and professionalism. When that trust is broken,even unintentionally, it can have far-reaching consequences:

HIPAA Violations: Even a casual mention of a patient’s name or condition can trigger serious penalties, with fines reaching into the millions depending on the breach.

Medication Errors: Research shows that distractions increase the risk of medication errors significantly. Social media, with its demand for attention and performance, is one of the most dangerous distractions during a med pass.

Reputation and Trust: For the nursing profession as a whole, incidents like this erode public confidence and damage the credibility of thousands of nurses who work with integrity every day.

Digital Boundaries in Nursing Practice

The American Nurses Association (ANA) encourages nurses to use social media to educate, advocate, and connect. However, the ANA also clearly outlines boundaries to ensure that professionalism is maintained:
Never share identifiable patient information.

Avoid posting during clinical hours.

Do not engage in social media activity that interferes with care delivery.

Make sure you understand and comply with your employer’s social media rules.

Yet, according to a 2024 Journal of Nursing Education study, only 62% of nursing programs explicitly cover social media ethics and boundaries. That means many new nurses may not fully understand the implications of sharing “just a little” from the job.

The Bigger Picture: A Cultural Shift Needed

Today, nearly 92% of healthcare employers ban the use of personal phones for photography or video in patient care areas. And for good reason. What may seem like a harmless post can end careers, result in lawsuits, and most importantly, harm patients.

It’s time for a cultural reset within nursing one where digital literacy and ethical boundaries are treated as core clinical competencies. This means:

• Embedding digital professionalism into nursing education from Day One.
• Encouraging open conversations in the workplace about what’s appropriate and what’s not.
• Modeling the right behavior, especially for new nurses who look to peers and leaders for guidance.

Final Thoughts: Social Media Is a Tool, Not a Toy

Nurses are among the most trusted professionals, and that trust is earned through consistent, ethical care. Social media can be a powerful platform to educate and advocate, but when misused, it can damage reputations and compromise patient safety.

No post is worth risking your license or the trust patients place in you. True professionalism goes beyond the bedside, it must guide every online interaction. Let’s stay focused, act with integrity, and always remember why we chose this noble profession.