Chapter Two: Your Work Ethic and Performance

Flashcards covering work ethic, performance, critical thinking, regulatory compliance, and professionalism for healthcare workers based on lecture notes from Chapter Two.

What is 'interdependence' in relation to healthcare workers?

It's the need for healthcare workers to rely on one another; without it, the workflow breaks down because no one works alone.

Why is it important for healthcare workers to have a system perspective?

A system perspective involves viewing the entire process of how a patient moves through an organization and understanding how one's own role fits into that process, allowing them to see the big picture.

How can failing to use common sense with social media lead to a HIPAA violation?

Posting patient information, even if seemingly de-identified, or discussing patient cases where details could lead to identification on social media, violates HIPAA.

Why is it important to be present in the moment at work for healthcare workers?

Being present means filtering out distractions, concentrating, understanding where you are, what you are doing, and why, which is critical for focus and patient safety.

What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking is using reasoning and evidence to make and analyze decisions, forming conclusions based on logical thinking, and looking at things from a rational and practical perspective.

List three things that critical thinkers do to make good decisions.

Critical thinkers ask essential questions, identify and analyze relevant information/evidence, differentiate between facts, opinions, and personal feelings, and think with an open mind.

List five factors that demonstrate a strong work ethic.

Employees with a strong work ethic stay focused, apply themselves to tasks, get work done right the first time, exercise self-discipline, know expectations, don't wait to be told what to do, and demonstrate a positive attitude.

Describe an attitudinal difference between an optimist and a pessimist.

An optimist looks on the bright side, sees the glass half full, and displays a positive attitude; a pessimist looks on the dark side, sees the glass half empty, and tends to complain, spreading negativity.

Why must healthcare workers function within the legal scope of practice for their state of employment?

Failing to do so can result in serious legal trouble for both the worker and their employer, compromise quality, and potentially harm a patient or coworker.

Explain how HIPAA protects the confidentiality of medical information.

HIPAA establishes rules for the privacy and security of health information, requiring healthcare providers to protect patient data and setting standards for its transmission and storage.

List two things you should do when representing your employer.

Always exercise discretion about what you say and do, avoid making negative remarks about your company in public, and ensure your appearance, attitude, and behavior reflect positively on the company.

List three ways to prepare for a performance evaluation.

Review your job description, track progress towards goals, maintain a project list, keep records of workshop attendance, and prepare a self-evaluation.

Differentiate between objective and subjective evaluation criteria.

Objective criteria are real and actual, not affected by feelings, focusing on measurable facts; subjective criteria are affected by one's state of mind or feelings, involving opinions and perceptions.

What is self-awareness, as discussed in the notes?

Self-awareness involves avoiding distractions, paying attention to what's going on, and maintaining mindfulness — understanding where you are, what you are doing, and why you are doing it.

What is the HITECH Act?

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act addresses the confidentiality of healthcare information transmitted electronically and strengthens HIPAA's enforcement and penalties.

What is a 'whistleblower' in the context of ethical behavior?

A whistleblower is a person who exposes illegal or unethical practices of another person or a company; the law protects them from retribution.