Health Care Professions Chapter 2

Professionalism

Essential quality of individuals who work in HC

Attitude

How a situation is viewed

Professionals are supposed to approach work positively by

Upbeat, optimistic

Think in terms of what they can give, not get

Patient welfare is primary

Professional behaviors

Dependable

Perform all duties

Be flexible

Accept patient population differences and treat everyone with courtesy and consideration

Good communication skills

Keep personal problems separate from work

Well organized and plan ahead

Behave ethically and set high personal standards

Calmness

Serve as a role model

Set professional goals 

Appearance is an ____ sign of professionalism

Outward

Professional appearance

Hygiene

Deodorant 

Attention to dental hygiene 

Avoid perfumes

Avoid extreme styles

Consider safety of self and others

Ways to maintain a healthy balance in professional-patient relationship

Have caring attitude without the goal of a relationship

Do not depend on the friendship and approval of patients

Focus on achieving patient's’ health care goals

Handling difficult situations

Aim for an objective response

Understand one’s own behavior and reactions

Separate fact from emotion

Personal acceptance of criticism

Criticism can help you learn

Recognize it’s hard to admit when wrong

Reacting gracefully is a sign of self-confidence and professionalism

Evaluate info 

Ways to be professional outside the workplace

Avoid inappropriate behaviors

Inappropriate behaviors

Drinking too much

Inappropriate clothing

Rude

Professional development means

Continually striving to improve and be the best you can

Finding satisfaction in your work

Necessary for long-term success

Viewed as an opportunity

Many ways to grow 

Ways to grow professionally

Set goals

Professional organizations

Network with other professionals

Request additional responsibilities

Stay in touch with your mentors

Joining a professional organization can contribute to professional development by

Promotes profession

Ensures professionals have the necessary knowledge and skill sets

Provides continuing education learning experiences

Provides networking opportunities

Support HC legislation

Lifelong Learning

All purposeful learning activities that take place throughout our lives

Lifelong knowledge is more important than ever because of what

Advancements in technology

Continued learning is required after graduation to

Keep up with the changes in the way jobs are performed

Examples of why it is important to keep up with changes

People living longer

Increased patient interest in complementary HC practices requires current knowledge

Expansion of roles for HC professionals required an increased skill base

New information about body functions requires knowledge of discoveries in area of occupation

CEUs

Continuing education units

Ways to earn CEUs

Traditional classroom courses by professional organizations

Special sessions or workshops at conferences

Home study materials in professional journals

Online study courses by professional organizations

Home study courses by approved educators

Distance education classes by colleges or universities

For CEUs, choose courses and materials that offer maximum value for the time and money invested. Reasons to do this would be 

Recommended by professional organization

Required by current job

Future career goals

Reputation of educational provider

Areas of weaknesses that need improvement

Personal and/or professional interests

Accreditation by the international association for continuing education and training

Role Model

Serves as a positive example

Professional and competent

Choose a role model with high standards of professionalism, respect and integrity

Mentor

Coach and advisor

Has qualities of a role model

Look for a mentor with an interest in helping and time to spend with you

Professional leadership

Encouraging people to work together and do their best to achieve common goals

Ways to encourage people

Inspire others with vision and excellence

Promote positive change

Does not have to be in a position of authority