Professionalism

1. Professionalism An AARC Guide to Professionalism

2. Definitions • Profession • A vocation or occupation requiring special, usually advanced, education, knowledge, and skill • Professional • One engaged in one of the learned professions or in an occupation requiring a high level of training and proficiency Source: (Black’s Law Dictionary 6th ed)

3. Professionalism • This presentation is intended to provide insights into what it means to be a professional. • Part of being a professional is to: • 1. serve the needs of society. • 2. understand the characteristics of professionalism. • 3. behave in a professional manner. • 4. enhance and promote professional image.

4. A Higher Standard • Professionals are held to a higher standard of behavior. • The public expects them to: • Make sound decisions • Function as leaders • Put patients first • Commit to the profession

5. Societal Expectations • Professional credentials • License, certification or registry required to practice. • Professional code of ethics • Established standards of practice • Maintenance of knowledge and skills • Life long commitment to learning • Peer review process • Commitment to research and publication

6. Patient Expectations • Personal integrity • Confidentiality • Appreciation for diversity • Commitment to the profession • Strong work ethic • Exercise sound judgment

7. Citizenship • Philanthropic endeavors • provide service to the community and society at large • Civic responsibilities • fulfill our civic responsibilities as a voter, tax payer, and public policy shaper.

8. Professional Education Knowledge and Skills • General education • Psychomotor and cognitive skills • Interpersonal skills • Teaching and administrative skills • Research skills

9. Professional Education Lifelong Learning • Continued self-improvement • Continued professional development • Continuing education • Research

10. Professional Image • Conservative apparel • Grooming • Hair • Nails • Hygiene • Subtle use of jewelry Appearance

11. Professional Image • Light, natural use of makeup • Limit use of personal phones and beepers • Verbal and non-verbal communication “in sync” and presenting appropriate message Appearance

12. Professional Image Attitudes and Behaviors • Positive attitude • Mature behavior • Proper etiquette • Dependability • Accepting of responsibility

13. Professional Image Attitudes and Behaviors • Thorough and timely completion of tasks • Communication skills • Personal • Utilizing Technology • Professional competence

14. Professional Image Attitudes and Behaviors A professional attitude and behavior does not preclude warm, friendly interaction. Caring behaviors are appropriate and expected. Physical and emotional limits should be maintained in the patient/professional relationship.

15. AARC • Professional Advocacy • Professional Resources • Professional Network Setting standards for the profession

16. AARC Publications • Role Model Statement For Respiratory Care • Statement Of Ethics And Professional Conduct For Respiratory Care • Position Statement On Diversity

17. AARC Helping members grow and develop in the practice of respiratory care.