NursingLink

Hi all,

Anyone out there using twitter? If so what do you think of it?

--beth

What is twitter for? I went to the link, but i did not really understand the concept.

I'm like you Shan, I really don't understand what it is.

I really expect Beth to jump in here with a much better explanation than I am about to give, as she is really the Twitter expert. I have signed up and been using it for about a week. (my user name is Christina1973 - feel free to join me)

My understanding of the purpose is that it is a way to communicate with others, keeping them updated with what is going on in our lives as it is occuring rather than via a cumulative email or blog post each day/week/month, whatever.  Sometimes when I read what is posted, it seems like stream of consciousness stuff, other times the update contains a link to a photo or an article of note, and at times it really is important information.

I follow mostly nurses, though I have added a blogger that I have read for some time, as well as Barack Obama. One of the things I have been most interested in is seeing how many "clinical" or nursing-specific topics/updates there are. I see a small amount of dialogue-type activity (one person tweets something, then another replies to that tweet specifically) but for the most part I mostly see solitary updates. Sometimes there will be a link directing one to a blog, and then in the comments further discussion of the issue may occur.

I am challenging my imagination and creativity to think of varying ways that this tool can be employed relative to information flow, patient care, etc.,, but this is still very new to me and I'm just exploring everything. I know that my facility doesn't have any specific rules or policies or decrees related to Twitter usage. Heck, no one had a clue what I was talking about when I took my informal little survey on the subject. Obviously I need to do some educating. :)

I have more questions than answers, including issues related to taking time during patient care activities to send an update, potential HIPAA challenges, etc., but must repeat that this is new to me, I'm very open minded, and it's a learning process.

I guess what I am saying is that "time will tell".  I hope I haven't totally put you to sleep with this lengthy answer.

Shutting up,

 Sorry folks... I did not realize this topic was already here.  I created a similar topic with videos and links where you can learn about twitter, how to use it and connect with others using twitter here on NursingLink.  The following link will take you to the conversation.  If it does not... look for the medxcentral group under the groups tab.  Here ya go:

http://www.nursinglink.com/topics/4049-using-twitter-want-to-connect-know-what-it-is/posts

I look at the folks I follow on twitter as news channels.  What I find amazing is that I get to make discoveries as they make discoveries... as long as they post a link to the discovery they make.  It is difficult to wrap your mind around twitter at first because it is so simple.  Start by creating an account and then find interesting folks to follow.  Following some quality tweeple will give you a good idea as to how to use it yourself.  

So far.. from this forum string, I have been able to connect and follow: Beth (pixlrn), Christina1973 and THatton.  When they post things of interest, I'll see them instantly... and if they are following me... when I tweet something of interest... they will see it too.  The most valuable thing is when someone posts something of interest and includes a link to the full item.  

If anyone here signs up for a twitter account... be sure to look me up.  Once in twitter, simply look for the "find people" link... and then, once you've clicked that link, look for the "Search" tab.  Once on the search page, simply search "medxcentral" and you'll find me.  Click follow.  I'll be notified and I'll follow you back.

Then.. feel free to look through those I follow and those who follow me.  Look for interesting folks to follow. 

****Note:  twitter makes very little sense if you don't keep it open on your computer when you're at your computer.  Remember, you can't watch the television or listen to the radio if they are turned off.  Think of the folks you follow as tiny, but interesting news channels.  Then, watch and listen for items of interest.  Once you get the hang of it... you can then become a "channel of interest" yourself.

http://twitter.com       http://twitter.com/medxcentral (this link will take you right to my profile)

Here's an example... I posted a "tweet" about this forum string so that those who are "listening in on me" can find the article.  Here's the tweet, isolated, so you can see how it would look to those who "follow" me:  https://twitter.com/medxcentral/statuses/967578841  They may not be interested in my explanation of twitter (because they already use it).. but, they may be very interested in NursingLink.com (and likely did not even know it is here).  See how that could work to your advantage when someone else links to something of interest to you.  That's powerful.... and instant.....if you're listening.

 How to find medical professionals on twitter.  Yep.. just click that link and check out our growing list of resources.  And, when you get there... have a look around at some of our membership.... note where they found out about our community.  I did not "get" twitter at first either.  It is now....by far... my favorite.  And... as many of you know... I am a relatively active and long standing member here on NursingLink in addition to owning and operating my own generalized medical community.

Twitter is so easy that it does not makes sense when you first look at it.  It is not a specific application for a specific purpose...it is a general application which can be used as YOU see fit.  You will not "see" how to use it for yourself if you don't get in and get started.

The fastest way to begin to "get it" is to sign up for an account and then find some interesting people to follow.  When they tweet something out... you will see it in your "timeline" when you are logged in to your twitter page.  So, be sure to remain logged in and be SURE to refresh your page at least every 5 minutes or so.  You page will not refresh automatically.  It's like snacks of information being fed out constantly.  And, when you want to reply.. simply hit the reply button and reply to that person's thoughts.  Everyone who is "following" you will see your reply.

I'll be glad to help you connect with lots of medical professionals on twitter.  I've got a few hundred who "see" my tweets and I can suggest they follow you.  Or you can click here to learn how to find medical professionals on twitter.