PROFESSIONALISM

What does professionalism mean to you? Professionalism is an approach to work that demonstrates: Respect for others Commitment Competence Appropriate behaviour

PROFESSIONALISM To be a true health care professional, you should demonstrate the following traits: A positive attitude A sense of responsibility A professional appearance Discretion Acceptable language

PROFESSIONALISM A POSITIVE ATTITUDE Believe that you and your work are important Show that you enjoy your work Think before you speak Do not gossip or complain Be: Enthusiastic Considerate Cooperative Courteous

A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY PROFESSIONALISM A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY Do not blame others, admit your mistakes and learn from them Accept constructive criticism Be on time for work Inform your workplace if you’re going to be late or absent Finish all assigned tasks

A PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE PROFESSIONALISM A PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE Shows respect for patients, co-workers, and yourself Shows that you take your job seriously A professional appearance includes: Clothes – clean, pressed, well fitting, name tag Grooming – hair back, modest jewelry/make-up, no perfume/cologne or other strong scents, clean short nails, cover tattoos/piercings Hygiene – shower/brush your teeth, wear deodorant……..enough said No scent policy, smokers, shaving, shoe policy, casual fridays

PROFESSIONALISM DISCRETION Good judgement Be careful of what/how/where/when you say things and to whom Confidentiality is key Keep personal matters out of the workplace Do not have personal discussions with patients Keep health care worker/patient relationships purely professional

PROFESSIONALISM ACCEPTABLE LANGUAGE Keep language appropriate Do not use slang Speak calm and clear Do not use medical terminology with patients