1. Chapter 5
Work Ethics
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

2. Work Ethics Professionalism involves:
Following laws
Being ethical
Having good work ethics
Having the skills to do your work
Work ethics deal with behavior in the workplace.
Work ethics involve:
How you look
What you say
How you behave
How you treat others
How you work with others
As a nursing assistant, you must act and function in a professional manner.
Ethics deals with right and wrong conduct. It involves choices and judgments about what to do or what not to do. An ethical person does the right thing.
In the workplace, certain behaviors (conduct), choices, and judgments are expected.
Your conduct reflects your choices and judgments.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

3. Health, Hygiene, and Appearance
Your health
You need a balanced diet.
Most adults need about 7 hours of sleep daily.
You need to use your muscles correctly.
Exercise is needed for muscle tone, circulation, and weight loss.
Have your eyes checked and wear needed eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Smoking causes lung, heart, and circulatory disorders.
Take only those drugs ordered by a doctor in the prescribed way.
Never report to work under the influence of alcohol.
Patients, residents, families, and visitors expect the health team to look and act healthy. Your health, appearance, and hygiene need careful attention.
In order to give safe, effective care, you must be physically and mentally healthy.
Avoid foods high in fat, oil, and sugar. Avoid salty foods and crash diets.
Regular exercise helps you feel better physically and mentally. Consult your doctor before starting a vigorous exercise program.
Smoke odors stay on your breath, hands, clothing, and hair. Hand washing and good personal hygiene are needed.
Working under the influence of drugs affects the person’s safety.
Alcohol is a drug that depresses the brain and affects thinking, balance, coordination, and mental alertness. Do not drink alcohol while working.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

4. Health, Hygiene, and Appearance (cont’d)
Personal hygiene needs careful attention.
Bathe daily.
Use a deodorant or antiperspirant to prevent body odors.
Brush your teeth often.
Use a mouthwash to prevent breath odors.
Shampoo often.
Keep fingernails clean, short, and neatly shaped.
Menstrual hygiene is important.
Foot care prevents odors and infection.
Style hair in a simple, attractive way.
Practice good hand washing.
Good health and hygiene practices help you look and feel well.
Review the contents of Box 5-1 on p. 48 in the Textbook.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

5. Getting a Job What employers look for Employers want to hire people
who:
Are dependable
Are well-groomed
Have needed job skills and training
Have values and attitudes that fit with the agency
Being dependable is important.
Employers need to know that you can do the required job skills.
Review the contents of Box 5-2 on p. 49 in the Textbook.
Applicants who look good communicate many things to the employer.
You have one chance to make a good first impression.
A well-groomed person is likely to get the job.
Undependable people cause everyone problems.
Review the Focus on Long-Term Care and Home Care: What Employers Look For Box on p. 49 in the Textbook.
Review the Focus on Long-Term Care and Home Care: Job Skills and Training Box on p. 49 in the Textbook.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

6. Getting a Job (cont’d) Job applications
How you fill out the application may mean getting or not getting the job.
Some agencies provide job applications on- line.
Follow the agency’s instructions for completing and sending an online application.
A job application is easier to complete if you have a file of your education and work history.
Obtain a job application from the personnel or human resources office.
You must be well-groomed and behave pleasantly when seeking or returning a job application—it may be your first chance to make a good impression.
Review the contents of Box 5-3 on p. 52 in the Textbook.
A neat, readable, and complete application gives a good image.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

7. Getting a Job (cont’d) The job interview
The employer’s chance to get to know and evaluate you
Your chance to find out more about the agency
Prepare for the interview.
Type a list of your skills and give the list to the interviewer.
You need to be neat, clean,
and well-groomed.
Be on time.
Review the common interview questions in Box 5-4 on p. 53 in the Textbook.
Review the guidelines in Box 5-5 on p. 53 in the Textbook.
Being on time shows you are dependable.
Go to the agency a day before your scheduled interview. Note how long it takes to get there and where to park.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

8. Getting a Job (cont’d) Arriving for the interview
Turn off your wireless phone or pager.
Tell the receptionist your name and why you are there. Also, give the interviewer’s name.
Sit quietly in the waiting area.
Do not smoke, chew gum, or use your phone.
Review your answers to common interview questions.
Smile and be polite and friendly.
Waiting may be part of the interview.
The interviewer may ask the receptionist about how you acted while waiting.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

9. Getting a Job (cont’d) During the interview
Politely greet the interviewer.
Stand until asked to take a seat.
When sitting, use good posture.
Have good eye contact.
Watch your body language.
Avoid distracting habits.
Focus on the interview.
Give complete and honest answers.
Speak clearly and with confidence.
Avoid short and long answers.
A firm handshake is correct for men and women.
Address the interviewer as Miss, Mrs., Ms., Mr., or Doctor.
If offered a beverage, you may accept. Be sure to thank the person.
Look directly at the interviewer when you answer or ask questions.
What you say is important.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

10. Getting a Job (cont’d) The interviewer will ask about your skills.
Share your skills list.
You can ask questions at the end of the interview.
Review the job description with the interviewer.
Ask any questions at this time.
Advise the interviewer of functions you cannot perform because of training, legal, ethical, or religious reasons.
Honesty now prevents problems later.
Ask when you can check on your application.
If the interviewer asks about a skill not on your list, explain that you are willing to learn the skill if your state allows nursing assistants to perform the task.
Review the list of questions in Box 5-4 on p. 53 in the Textbook.
The interviewer signals when the interview is over.
Asking questions is key to finding the job that is right for you.
Review the Focus on Long-Term Care and Home Care: The Job Interview Box on p. 54 in the Textbook.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

11. Getting a Job (cont’d)
After the interview, writing a thank-you letter is advised.
Accepting a job
Accept the job that is right for you.
When you accept a job
Agree on a starting date, pay rate, and work hours.
Ask for the information in writing.
Find out where to report on your first day.
Ask for the employee handbook and other agency information.
Read everything before you start working.
Before leaving, thank the interviewer. Shake the person’s hand before you leave.
Think about all offers before accepting one.
Use the written offer later if questions arise.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

12. Getting a Job (cont’d) New employee orientation
The agency’s policy and procedure manual is reviewed.
Your skills are checked.
You are shown how to use the agency’s supplies and equipment.
Some agencies have preceptor programs.
If you do not feel comfortable after your preceptor program, ask for more orientation time.
The agency has you perform the procedures in your job description during orientation to make sure that you do them safely and correctly.
A preceptor program usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks. Its purpose is to help you succeed in your role and ensure quality care.
A preceptor is a staff member who guides another staff member.
A nursing assistant preceptor is not your supervisor. Only nurses can supervise.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

13. Preparing for Work Keeping your job You must:
Work when scheduled
Get to work on time
Stay the entire shift
Common reasons for losing a job
Absences and tardiness
Childcare issues
Transportation concerns
You must function well and work well with others.
Plan for childcare and transportation in advance.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

14. Preparing for Work (cont’d)
Childcare
When you leave for work
While you are at work
Before you get home from work
During emergencies
Transportation
Always have a back-up plan for getting to work.
You must have a plan for emergencies. Your childcare provider is ill or cannot care for your children on a given day. A child becomes ill or injured while you are at work. You will be late getting home from work.
If you drive, keep your car in good working order, keep plenty of gas in the car, or leave early to get gas.
Carpool members depend on each other. Carpool with persons you trust to be ready and on time.
Know your bus or train schedule.
Always carry enough money for fares to and from work.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

15. Teamwork Teamwork involves: Working when scheduled
Being cheerful and friendly
Performing delegated tasks
Being available to help others
Help willingly.
Be kind to others.
Teamwork means that staff members work together as a group.
Each person does his or her part to provide safe and effective care.
How you work with others and how you feel about your job affects quality of care.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

16. Attendance Attendance Report to work when scheduled and on time.
Call the agency if you will be late or cannot go to work.
Follow the agency’s attendance policy.
Be ready to work when your shift starts.
Attendance also means staying the entire shift.
You may need to work overtime.
When it is time to leave, report off-duty to the nurse.
Poor attendance can cause you to lose your job. The entire unit is affected when just one person is late. Follow the attendance policy in your employee handbook.
Arrive on your nursing unit a few minutes early to greet others and settle in.
Prepare to stay longer if necessary.
Prepare for childcare emergencies.
Review the Teamwork and Time Management: Attendance Box on p. 56 in the Textbook.
Review the Focus on Long-Term Care and Home Care: Attendance Box on p. 56 in the Textbook.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

17. Attitude Your attitude Show that you enjoy your work.
Listen to others.
Be willing to learn.
Stay busy and use your time well.
Always think before you speak.
Your work is very important.
You must believe that you and your work have value.
Review the contents of Box 5-2 on p. 49 in the Textbook.
Review “Statements That Signal a Bad Attitude” on p. 56 in the Textbook.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

18. Gossip Avoiding gossip
Remove yourself from a group or setting where people are gossiping.
Do not make or repeat any comment that can hurt others.
Do not make or repeat any comment that you do not know to be true.
Do not talk about patients, residents, family members, visitors, co-workers, or the agency at home or in social settings.
To gossip means to spread rumors or talk about the private matters of others.
Gossiping is unprofessional and hurtful.
Social settings include: , instant messaging, and social networking sites (Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and others).
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

19. Confidentiality Confidentiality
The person’s information is shared only among the staff involved in his or her care.
The person has the right to privacy and confidentiality.
Agency, family, and co-worker information also is confidential.
Share information only with the nurse.
Confidentiality means trusting others with personal and private information.
Be very careful about what, how, when, and where you say things.
Avoid eavesdropping. It invades a person’s privacy.
Many agencies have intercom systems. Be careful what you say over the intercom.
Review the Focus on Communication: Confidentiality Box on p. 57 in the Textbook.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

20. Important Personal Characteristics
Hygiene and appearance
How you look affects the way people think about you and the agency.
Speech and language
Your speech and language must be professional.
Courtesies
Even the smallest kind act can brighten someone’s day.
Personal matters
Personal matters cannot interfere with the job.
You could lose your job for tending to personal matters while at work.
Home and social attire is often improper at work.
Review the practices in Box 5-1 on p. 48 in the Textbook.
Words used in home and social settings may be improper at work.
A courtesy is a polite, considerate, or helpful comment or act.
Do not use agency supplies or equipment for personal use.
Make personal phone calls during meals and breaks.
Do not discuss personal problems at work.
Do not send or check text messages.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

21. Meals and Breaks and Job Safety
Meals and breaks are scheduled so that some staff are always on the unit.
Leave for and return from breaks on time.
Tell the nurse when you leave and return to the unit.
Job safety
Everyone is responsible for safety.
You must protect patients, residents, families, visitors, co-workers, and yourself from harm.
Staff members depend on each other.
Do not take longer than is allowed for meals and breaks.
The safety guidelines on p. 58 in the Textbook apply to everything you do.
Negligent acts affect the safety of others.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

22. Planning Plan your work to: Use priority-setting.
Which person has the greatest or most life- threatening needs
What tasks the nurse or person needs done first
What tasks need to be done at a set time
What tasks need to be done when your shift starts; at the end of your shift
How much time it takes to complete a task
Who can help you and when
Give safe, thorough care.
Make good use of your time.
The nurse, the Kardex, the care plan, and your assignment sheet help you decide what to do and when.
Many factors can change priorities.
The person’s needs change.
The person’s condition can improve or worsen.
Others are transferred or discharged.
Setting priorities is hard at first. You can ask the nurse to help you set them.
Review Box 5-6 on p. 59 in the Textbook.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

23. Managing Stress Stress is normal.
Stressors are pleasant or unpleasant.
Stress affects the whole person.
Physically
Mentally
Socially
Spiritually
Stress is the response or change in the body caused by any emotional, physical, social, or economic factor.
A stressor is the event or factor that causes stress.
Many parts of your job are stressful.
Prolonged or frequent stress can cause physical and mental health problems to occur.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

24. Managing Stress (cont’d)
Dealing with stress is important.
Stress affects:
You
The care you give
The person’s quality of life
How you relate to co-workers
If your job causes stress, it affects your family and friends. Stress in your personal life affects your work.
To reduce or cope with stress:
Exercise regularly.
Get enough rest and sleep.
Eat healthy.
Plan personal and quiet time for you.
Use common sense about what you can do.
Do one thing at a time.
Do not judge yourself harshly.
Give yourself praise.
Have a sense of humor.
Talk to the nurse if your work or a person is causing too much stress.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

25. Harassment Harassment can: Be sexual
Involve age, race, ethnic background, religion, or disability
Harassment means to trouble, torment, offend, or worry a person by one’s behavior or comments.
Do not offend others by your gestures, remarks, or use of touch.
Do not offend others with jokes, photos, or other pictures.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

26. Harassment (cont’d) Sexual harassment
Harassment is not legal in the workplace.
Sexual harassment involves unwanted sexual behaviors by another.
Victims of sexual harassment may be men or women.
Men harass women or men.
Women harass men or women.
If you feel that you are being harassed, report the matter to the nurse and the human resources officer.
Be careful about what you say or do.
Employee orientation programs address harassment.
If you are not sure about your own or another person’s remarks or behaviors, discuss the matter with the nurse.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

27. Resigning From a Job
Whatever the reason, you need to tell your employer.
Give a written notice.
Write a resignation letter.
Complete a form in the human resources office.
Giving 2-weeks notice is a normal practice.
Do not leave a job without notice.
An exit interview is common practice.
Include the following in your notice:
Reason for leaving
The last date you will work
Comments thanking the employer for the opportunity to work in the agency
You and the employer talk before you leave the agency.
The employer asks what you liked about the agency and your job.
Often employees are asked how the agency can improve.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

28. Losing a Job and Drug Testing
To protect your job, function at your best.
Always practice good work ethics.
Drug testing
Drug and alcohol use affects patient, resident, and staff safety.
Review your agency’s policy for when and how you might be tested.
A job is a privilege.
Review the contents in Box 5-7 on p. 60 in the Textbook.
Because drug or alcohol use affects patient, resident, and staff safety, some agencies have drug testing policies.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.