Keywords

Twitter, Social Media, Millennials, Nursing Education, Nursing Students

 

Authors

  1. Stephens, Teresa M.
  2. Gunther, Mary E.

Abstract

AIM: This article reports the use of Twitter as an intervention delivery method in a multisite experimental nursing research study.

 

BACKGROUND: A form of social networking, Twitter is considered a useful means of communication, particularly with millennials. This method was chosen based on current literature exploring the characteristics of millennial students.

 

METHOD: Ahern's Model of Adolescent Resilience served as the theoretical framework. Participants were 70 junior-level baccalaureate nursing students, ages 19-23, at two state-supported universities.

 

RESULTS: Twitter was found to be a convenient, cost-effective, and enjoyable means of intervention delivery for the researcher. Participants in the experimental and control groups expressed positive feelings about the use of Twitter.

 

CONCLUSION: The findings contribute to future efforts to use social media in nursing research and education to increase faculty-student engagement, promote critical reflection, provide social support, reinforce course content, and increase the sense of community.