NURSES and midwives are being investigated and even struck off as a result of inappropriate conduct on Facebook.

Now their regulator — the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) — has issued advice on use of social networking sites for the UK's 660,000 registered workers.

The NMC said it was taking a strong stance on online misconduct. Its advice is that online incidents should be treated as gravely as if they had happened in the real world.

It also recommends that nurses and midwives make a clear distinction between their professional and personal lives online.

NMC chief executive Professor Dickon Weir-Hughes said: "I would advise nurses and midwives to exercise caution when using social networking sites.

"They could risk their registration if they share sensitive information, make inappropriate comments or befriend patients online."

The NMC's advice to nurses and midwives includes:

Never put confidential or sensitive information on social networking sites, especially if it identifies patients;

Be aware that all your activity online can reflect on your professional life;

Don't accept "friend" requests from patients, or use social networks to build or pursue relationships with patients or clients, even if they are no longer in your care;.

Consider everything you post as public, even in private Facebook discussions; and,

Social networking sites should not be used for whistle-blowing or raising concerns – instead follow NMC guidance on raising concerns.

Andy Jaeger, NMC assistant director, professional and public communications, said: "Most people simply don't realise how much information is shared with the world if you don't adjust your privacy settings on Facebook — and that includes personal details and photographs.

"If your profession is nursing or midwifery, it is particularly inadvisable to discuss work issues online. What you regard as just an amusing story, could end up causing serious offence more easily than you think."