The Idea of an Essay, Volume 2

101 and Health in the United States, nursing is “among the top 40 occupations with the highest prevalence of stress-related disorders” (Bourbonnais 20). Nurses often suffer from burnout, which is “emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress” (Smith). In hospitals, emotional fatigue decreases quality of care and increases costs, which reduces the efficiency and competence of the nursing profession (Kowalski 1655). Alarmingly, approximately 15-45% of nurses in the western world suffer from emotional burnout (1654). When utilized appropriately, social media can potentially address and reduce the symptoms of exhaustion. Social media can lessen the symptoms of emotional fatigue by improving relationships among nurses. A survey conducted by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research discovered that the level of emotional burnout experienced by a nurse depends in part on the quality of his or her interactions with others in the workplace (Kowalski 1660). The study noted that when nurses were dissatisfied by their relationships with other coworkers, they experienced higher levels of emotional exhaustion (1660). If relationships among nurses do in fact impact the prevalence of burnout, it is wise to improve these interactions in order to increase the quality of care and decrease costs. A study conducted in 2008 by the International Business Machines Cooperation displays how social media can improve relationships and foster fulfilling friendships in the medical community (DiMicco 711). For this experiment researchers created Beehive, a website designed to improve professional interactions. Analysts discovered that several employees used Beehive primarily to form relationships with coworkers they did not know. One participant in the study reported that Beehive “helps me connect to people personally…which makes me want to work with them” (716). Although this study focuses on one specific situation and environment, it displays how individuals can use social media to improve their professional relationships. Through websites such as Facebook, nurses learn about their coworkers’ families, dreams, and activities, topics which can spark meaningful conversations in the workplace. Coworkers can also communicate with each other through private messages and in responses to informational updates. In doing so, nurses become involved in their coworkers’ lives on a personal level, which can foster more enriching interactions while at work. If handled properly, social media sites can strengthen