Saving #NurseTok: 5 Ways to Support Nurses in the Face of a Potential TikTok Ban

As the debate around TikTok's future in the United States continues, many nurse creators are facing uncertainty. The possibility of a TikTok ban has raised concerns about the potential loss of a valuable platform for education, community building, and side income for healthcare professionals. 

What are the implications of a potential TikTok ban on nurse creators, affectionately known as "NurseTok," and how can supporters continue to engage with their favorite nursing content creators in the event of a ban?

The Rise of NurseTok and Its Significance

In recent years, TikTok has become a popular platform for nurses to share their experiences, provide health education, and build communities. These nurse creators, collectively known as NurseTok, have amassed significant followings and have used the platform to demystify healthcare topics, offer career advice, provide humor to burned out nurses, and offer a behind-the-scenes look at the nursing profession. The potential loss of this platform could have far-reaching consequences for both creators and their audiences.

@nursemikael_ now where do i find my outta pocket healthcare stuff? #nurse #nursesoftiktok #nursing #nurselife #nurselife #nurselife #nursetok #registerednurse #tiktokban ♬ original sound - Mikael

U.S. Court Upholds Law Demanding ByteDance Sell or Face Ban

A federal appeals court recently upheld a law mandating that TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divest its ownership of the app or face a ban in the United States. The law, supported by President Joe Biden and set to take effect on January 19, 2025, aims to address national security concerns, including fears of data collection and potential content manipulation by the Chinese government. 

TikTok and ByteDance challenged the legislation, citing First Amendment rights and economic impracticality, but the court ruled that the government’s national security interests justified the measures.

If the divestiture does not occur, TikTok may be removed from app stores, effectively cutting off access for its estimated 170 million U.S. users. While the court acknowledged the challenges of compliance, it emphasized that ByteDance retains options to resolve the issue. The ruling highlights escalating tensions over data privacy and foreign influence in digital platforms.

Opinions vary about the likelihood of such a ban, as well as various potential outcomes and solutions, but include:

• An actual sale of the app to a US company
• A repeal of the law, potentially led by President-elect Trump
• An appeal to the US Supreme Court

Time is running out, though.

@averyywoods FOLLOW ME ON IG JUST IN CASE HEHE 😅👩🏻‍⚕️ nurse ave might be making a comeback 💅🏼 ##fyp##viral##nurse##nursesoftiktok##nurselife##nurselife##tiktokban##trending##mom##momsoftiktok##momlife##funny##humor ♬ original sound - Frankie Bleau

Financial Implications for Nurse Creators

One of the most immediate and tangible impacts of a TikTok ban would be the financial loss for nurse creators who have come to rely on the platform as a source of additional income. Many of these creators participate in TikTok's Creator Fund or utilize other monetization features offered by the platform. The loss of this revenue stream could be significant, especially for those who have invested time and resources into building their TikTok presence.

@mykawise It’s fine, we’re all fine 😅  Seriously though.. @mykawise on Instagram 🖤🖤😜 #cleaning #cleaningtiktok #closingshift #cleantok #cleanwithme #cleaningmotivation #lifestyle #tiktokban #nursehannah #instagram #type1diabetes ♬ original sound - myka | cleaning & organization

What Should Nurse Creators Do? Diversify Platforms

In light of the potential ban, nurse creators are advised to diversify their online presence across multiple platforms. This strategy not only helps to mitigate the risk of losing their entire audience but also provides supporters with alternative ways to engage with their content. Platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter offer similar opportunities for content creation and audience engagement. By establishing a presence on these platforms, nurse creators can maintain their connections with their audience and continue to provide valuable content.

@lo_ashley I hate that they trying to ban tik tok because I love this platform and i love all my 20,000 followers. Sharing my nursing journey with yall has been so exciting and I pray that we continue #nurse #nursing #lpn #rn #nurselife #nursing #nursesoftiktok #nursetok #nurselolo #loashley #nurses #tiktokban ♬ original sound  - Lo_ashley

Nurse creators also should prioritize collecting email addresses to maintain a direct connection with their supporters. Unlike social platforms, email lists are owned by the creator, offering a stable way to share content, updates, and resources without relying on third-party platforms that may become inaccessible. This ensures continuity in engagement and helps sustain their community, regardless of social media disruptions.

@scrubhacks Go follow your favorite creators / businesses on other platforms to support them! #tiktokban #nursetok ♬ original sound - Scrubhacks | Lindsey Shelton

How Can Nurse Supporters Help?

For those who want to continue supporting their favorite nurse creators in the event of a TikTok ban, there are several actionable steps that can be taken today:

1. Follow creators on alternative social media platforms where they may already have a presence.
2. Engage with their content by liking, commenting, and sharing posts to increase visibility.
3. Support creators through platforms like Patreon or other crowdfunding sites if they have accounts set-up.
4. Consider purchasing merchandise or other products promoted by these creators to provide another avenue of financial support.
5. Support nurses directly through their own websites or by signing-up for their email newsletters.

These actions can help nurse creators maintain their audience and potentially recover some of the lost income from TikTok.

@brianavivian so sad to lose all of you 😔 pls follow my other socials @brianavivian if youd like to continue seeing my content ♥️🫶🏼 #tiktokban #nursecreator #latinacontentcreator #lifestylecontent #nursetok ♬ original sound - brianavivian 🍓

The potential loss of TikTok as a platform highlights the importance of the nurse community in supporting their favorite nurse creators. YOU, the nurse community, play a crucial role by spreading awareness about your favorite creators' content across other platforms and educating others about the impact of the ban. This grassroots approach can help nurse creators maintain and even grow their audience in the face of platform changes.

The Broader Impact on Nursing Education

While the financial aspects of a TikTok ban are significant for individual creators, it's important to consider the broader implications for healthcare education and communication. NurseTok has become a valuable resource for many, providing accessible health information and insights into the nursing profession. The potential loss of this platform raises questions about how to maintain these important conversations and educational opportunities in alternative spaces.

As the situation with TikTok remains uncertain, nurse creators and their supporters must remain adaptable. By diversifying across platforms, engaging directly with audiences, and fostering strong community support, the valuable content and connections established through NurseTok can continue to thrive. While a potential ban presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for creators to explore new platforms and ways of connecting with their audience.

So, nurses, please help your favorite nurse creators. Follow them. Engage with them. Advocate for them. And while we’re at it, here’s a shameless plug to follow Nurse.org too, so we can continue to thrive 💜.

You can follow Nurse.org on:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nurse_org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nursedotorg
• Nurse Converse podcast: https://nurse.org/articles/nurse-podcast/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY4KFvilEv6aAcTUdlOW58Q
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nurse-org/ 
• And you can sign-up for our newsletter at the bottom of this page, too