10 Benefits of Blogging for Registered Nurses
The 10 benefits of blogging listed below explains how blogging may benefit Registered Nurses in their practice personally and professionally.
1. Primary Prevention
The demand for secondary and tertiary prevention has drained available funding for the primary prevention of disease and illness. Through blogging, Registered Nurses can share knowledge from their area of expertise with blog readers to promote health and decrease risk of illness. Many individuals are looking to the internet for knowledge and answers to their questions. The Registered Nurse’s knowledge of evidenced based health care can provide a credible source to a global audience.
2. Establish Yourself as an Expert
Blogging can include information about your area of expertise with reviews of current literature and analysis of recent research. One of my areas of expertise is with celiac disease. I have been diagnosed with celiac disease for 5 years and have learned a tremendous amount about how to cook gluten-free, how to cope with a new lifestyle, how to raise children gluten-free and how to decrease associated risks. In May/09, I will start sharing some of my experiences and knowledge at www.celiacnurse.com
3. Sense of Contribution
Sharing your knowledge with blog readers and other nurses provides a sense of contribution. I have found that contribution of knowledge and experiences is abundantly prevalent in the blogs I have read. Blogging can empower both the nurse and readers through interactive dialogue to collaboratively contribute unique ideas, new information, and explore future possibilities. Contributing to others feels good and helps everyone involved to grow.
4. Source of Feedback
Blogs can provide a continual source of feedback from other nurses and from the public. Blogs are interactive so readers can provide feedback about your content and you can respond to to the comments. Questionnaires and polls can also provide feedback to the nurse and the compiled results can benefit the readers. I enjoy the idea of self growth personally and professionally through blogging.
5. Develop Writing Skills
Blogging provides a way of developing your writing skills. I have been very busy for 10 years raising 3 children with allergies and auto-immune diseases and welcome this opportunity to not only share what I have learned, but to re-enter into the world of writing.
6. Therapeutic Value
I have learned a tremendous amount about myself through living with an auto-immune disease and raising children with immune system problems. Sharing my experiences with others is therapeutic in many ways. It is empowering to share.
7. Marketing
Blogging can be valuable to promote yourself professionally or to promote a business. It could lead to a job opportunity in your area of expertise. It is an interesting addition to your resume.
Through the experience of blogging, nurses can learn more about marketing which may be beneficial if you have a business. I read an informative book recently called “The New Rules of Marketing and PR.” This book is written by David Meerman Scott and he has a website at www.davidmeermanscott.com.
There are blogs that discuss how to market your blog, such as Problogger (see below). I’m sure there are many other good blogs on marketing available. I am discovering new sites and information everyday. Please leave a comment if you are aware of other good blog sites that discuss marketing or if you have read a good book on this topic.
8. Current with Technology
Blogging can help nurses keep current with new technology. Your blog can be enhanced with podcasts, videos, e-books, pictures, and other types of add-in or plug-ins that may enrich the readers experience. Your knowledge of marketing and computer technology will increase as you blog. I am just starting my blogs and have learned a great amount of useful information already. There are many blogs with content about blogging (I am still discovering more) that can provide great resources. ProBlogger at www.problogger.net is my current favorite site for blogging information. Darren Rowse is the author and he is also on twitter. Please leave a comment if you are aware of other blogs or books that are informative.
9. Share Passions, Dreams, Interests
You can share your passions, dreams, interests, and hobbies. On my “About Me” page I have listed areas I have worked, my education, sports I have tried, places I have traveled, and my favorite nursing theorist. Express yourself and your unique personality.
10. Social Networking
Through the process of blogging, nurses can network with readers who have similar interests from all over the world. Readers may provide insight into a different approach to health care or some new information related to your area of expertise. As well, nurses who blog on the same topics can link to each other (or to other readers who blog on the same topic) so readers can get a variety of opinions and views.
Conclusion
Blogging can benefit nurses in a variety of ways. I believe that blogging can provide Registered Nurses with a powerful tool to enhance their professional growth, promote health, and decrease risk from current illnesses on a global scale. I believe that blogging is a co-active venture between nurse and readers and I’m looking forward to a future of sharing and learning from others.
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Great advice, I think more nurses need to take it. I can hardly list the benefits I have had, not to mention the fun.