Thanks to the power of social media, anybody can become internet famous. With the right strategy, one viral post can launch you as social media’s newest darling. But if you’re not careful enough, it may also lead to your swift and dramatic fall from grace. This is exactly what happened to nursing student/influencer Juilliana Villafuerte, who is facing backlash for posting sensitive footage from the hospital. Here’s what happened:

What happened?

On August 2, nursing student and influencer Juilliana Villafuerte posted a video of her day as a nursing student. The video began with her daily routine, including applying makeup and preparing breakfast. However, things took a turn for the worse when it briefly showed a clip with the words ‘a patient flatlined’.

Netizens call Juilliana ‘disrespectful’

Although the patient’s face wasn’t shown in the video, many felt upset and disturbed by Juilliana’s video. They mentioned that the content creator had previously been called out for taking videos inside the hospital premises.

“Why would she even think to pick up her phone, press record, and film a patient flatlining?“ One Redditor said.

Other nursing students also shared their experiences and emphasized that they were prohibited from holding their phones while performing clinical duties.

On the flip side, some suggest that if a patient were connected to the monitor, it would show “asystole“ (a lack of heartbeats) or a zero reading, which wasn’t indicated in Juilliana’s video. They believe this is just all for clout. Nonetheless, it doesn’t make her actions any less concerning.

Another netizen wrote, “I understand that some people want to post content about their life, but in that field, it is best to prioritize and respect the patient.”

Juilliana’s apology

Juilliana took to her Instagram yesterday to apologize for her actions, describing it as ‘an error in judgment.‘ She also stressed that her university, clinical instructors, and friends shouldn’t be dragged into the controversy.

“As a student still in the process of learning and growing, I realize that my actions lack [the] respect and sensitivity that such situations demand,“ the influencer wrote.

She also recognized that she needed to separate between being a student nurse and a content creator.

“I am truly sorry for any hurt my actions may have caused, and I am committed to doing better.”

The University of Perpetual Help-Calamba also released a statement

The University of Perpetual Help-Calamba, Juilliana’s school, apologized for the incident and emphasized that the posts had been deleted and that corrective measures would be taken.

“We remain committed to the highest standards of patient privacy and professional conduct. We take this seriously, and [a] thorough review is underway to ensure this does not happen again,“ the statement read.

8 Social Media Guidelines for Healthcare Workers

Navigating social media as a healthcare worker can be tricky. As illustrated by Juilliana’s case, one wrong move can have severe consequences. Here are some social media guidelines for healthcare workers to keep in mind:

1. Always prioritize patient confidentiality and privacy. Maintain the dignity of all individuals involved.
2. Think before posting. Before sharing any content, consider the potential impact and how it may be perceived by others, especially in sensitive situations.
3. Share knowledge. Use social media to educate and inform the public about healthcare topics, diseases, and wellness tips in a responsible manner.
4. Report concerns. If you see unethical behavior on social media among your peers, address it appropriately with the proper authorities.
5. Don’t share patient information. Never post any identifiable patient information, including images or videos, without consent.
6. Avoid inappropriate content. Do not share content that could be deemed offensive, disrespectful, or unprofessional.
7. Refrain from using social media during work hours, especially when handling sensitive patient information. It can lead to distractions and potential errors in patient care.
8. Don’t discredit your profession. As a healthcare worker, your words and actions reflect on your profession. Be aware of how you portray yourself and the healthcare field on social media.

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