Which statement best describes the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?

A. Post workplace frustrations anonymously: Anonymous posts can often be traced back to the author through metadata or specific details of the clinical event described. Expressing workplace grievances on public platforms can violate organizational policy and damage the professional reputation of the nurse. Professional concerns should be addressed through appropriate internal administrative or peer-support channels.

B. Accept friend requests from clients to build rapport: Engaging in social media friendships with patients creates a boundary violation that complicates the professional-patient relationship. It blurs the lines between professional support and personal intimacy, which can lead to ethical dilemmas and potential conflicts of interest. Nurses must maintain professional distance to ensure objective and unbiased care.

C. Post client stories if no names are used: De-identifying a patient by name is often insufficient to protect their privacy under HIPAA regulations. Unique clinical details or geographic locations can still allow others to identify the individual, leading to a breach of confidentiality. Publicizing patient experiences without explicit, written consent is ethically and legally problematic for healthcare professionals.

D. Maintain privacy and avoid sharing client information: This action aligns with the American Nurses Association guidelines for the professional use of social media. Safeguarding patient confidentiality is a legal and ethical mandate that extends to all digital platforms. Maintaining a clear separation between personal social media presence and professional duties prevents privacy violations and protects the nurse's license.



A. Care provider: This role involves the direct administration of clinical nursing interventions and holistic support to individuals or groups. While it includes coordination, the primary focus is on the immediate physiological and psychological needs of the patient during a shift. It does not inherently focus on the long-term management of systemic resources across multiple care settings.

B. Researcher: The nursing researcher focuses on the systematic investigation of clinical problems to improve patient outcomes and refine evidence-based practice. This role involves data collection, analysis, and the dissemination of findings rather than the direct management of patient care services. It supports the profession through knowledge generation but does not coordinate daily interprofessional services for clients.

C. Leader: Nursing leadership involves influencing others to achieve a common goal and improving the quality of care within a unit or organization. While leaders facilitate teamwork, their focus is often on staff management, vision setting, and operational efficiency. It lacks the specific focus on individual longitudinal case tracking and the coordination of external interprofessional services.

D. Case manager: This role is specifically designed to coordinate interprofessional services and manage the long-term, complex health needs of clients. Case managers facilitate transitions of care, advocate for necessary resources, and ensure cost-effective outcomes across the healthcare continuum. They bridge the gap between various providers to ensure the client receives comprehensive, longitudinal support.