Exhibit Professionalism Characteristics of Health Professionals

Professional What is a professional?

Professional A person who engages in a pursuit or activity professionally. Is extremely competent in a job. Skilled at the occupation.

Paraprofessional What is a paraprofessional?

Paraprofessional A person who is trained to assist a professional A representative of the profession.

Professionalism Why is professionalism important?

Professionalism Improves the confidence of the patients Improves relationships with the patients Improves relationships with co-workers

Professionalism What are the traits expected of a professional?

Positive Traits All need to be practiced and learned Some take more time to develop than others Improving on these makes us better professionals, employees and co- workers

Empathy Ability to identify with and understand others feelings, situations and motives Requires sincere interest in working with people Need to care about others

Patience Be tolerant and understanding Control your temper Deal with frustration and overcome obstacles

Tact Saying the kindness or most fitting for the situation Demonstrates consideration for others Requires practice

Co-operation Allow others choices whenever possible Cooperate with schedules, wants and routines

Sensitivity Aware of people’s needs Aware of feelings and emotions

Respect Treat others with consideration Kind and courteous

Honesty/Credibility Truthfulness and integrity Others must be able to trust you Admit mistakes so that they can be corrected Keep promises

Dependability Accept the responsibility of the position Report to work on time Maintain attendance Perform tasks on time Be reliable

Responsibility Willing to be accountable for your actions Others can rely on you and know you will meet your obligations

Willingness to Learn Learn and adapt to changes Health care changes frequently May need to learn new techniques Continuing education required to remain competent

Acceptance of Feedback Some criticism will be constructive Don’t be resentful of negative feedback. Instead learn and improve

Enthusiasm Enjoy your work and display positive attitude Can be contagious Concentrate on the positive

Self Motivation The ability to begin and follow through Continue the task without constant direction

Adaptability Adjust or change to meet the patient needs New technologies, new treatments

Competence Qualified and capable Follow instructions, use approved procedures and strive for accuracy

AVOID Negative Traits Belittling Using Ignoring others Condescending Sarcasm

Personal Hygiene/Grooming List ways that healthcare personnel can project a professional image in their appearance.

Personal Hygiene/Grooming Portrays a professional image – clean hands – scents – makeup – hair – oral hygiene – dress

Teamwork Health care professionals working as a team = quality care and service

Teamwork Quality health care is dependent on all doing their part. It is the team work of all health care workers that provides the service to the patient

What is a Team? A group with a specific goal Each person has expertise Each responsible for own actions and decisions Members pool knowledge and ideas Each works toward common goal Members make plans, take action and reevaluate future plans

Qualities of Team Members Respect for others Willingness to share knowledge Ability to make decisions Ability to agree, disagree, handle conflict and deal with differences Ability to stand and act alone when necessary

Conflict Conflict is part of human interaction

Conflict Management Ineffective Means of Handling Conflict: –Erupting –Withholding

Conflict Management Effective Means of Handling Conflict: –Confronting

Conflict Management Skills Define the conflict View the conflict as a joint problem State the problem

Conflict Management Skills Check perceptions

Conflict Management Skills Generate possible solutions Reach a mutually acceptable solution Implement the solution Evaluate the solution