IN THE HEALTHCARE ENVIORNMENT

1. PROFESSIONALISM IN THE HEALTHCARE ENVIORNMENT TEAM 3 KAYLA, CHAD, REGINA, CHRIS, & MATT

2. Professionalism- What does the word mean? • There are many different definitions of professionalism • According to Webster, it is “Ones who carry the title of ‘professionalism’ in the healthcare field.” • According to Dictionary.com, it is “The methods, character, status, etc…, of a professional.” • In a nutshell, professionalism means being the very best you can be. • Note that it may be hard to define, but you will know it when you see it.

3. What is a professional image? • What does it look like? • The total picture of the healthcare professional should be one of: • Neatness • Cleanliness • Friendliness • Depending on the department, business clothing, lab jackets, or scrubs may be required of the healthcare professional. • Is it recognizable? • According to authors Gurley and Callaway, “A professional image of hospital personnel has been perpetuated in the public mind over the years, and changes in ideals of this nature are not readily accepted.” So yes, people have an image in mind of what healthcare workers should look like and what is acceptable.

4. Following rules, ethics, and protocols • Professionalism involves many different things like we discussed in the different definitions of professionalism. One of these things is following the rules, ethics, and protocols of the healthcare facility. • These include rules (written & unwritten) such as: • Being punctual (being on time) • Meeting deadlines • Using time efficiently • Having self direction • Ethics such as: • Code of ethics • Work ethics • Protocols for: • Medications • Procedures • Quality control • Reporting incidences

5. Patient care & modesty • Professionalism also involves patient care • Patient care includes: • Addressing patient modesty • An important part of professionalism is respecting & preserving modesty. Everyone values their body & deserves to be handled in a respectful manner. You should do so to the greatest extent possible. Use tact & preserve dignity. Treat every patient as if he or she was modest. This is the patient’s right & the healthcare provider’s responsibility. Gurley & Callaway say, if you preserve the patient’s modesty, they will be appreciative and will recognize “that you are truly a professional to be trusted.” • Giving quality time for patient’s need • Taking time to listen & address needs in a timely manner • Establishing a rapport with the patient • Ask them questions & let them know you care

6. Verbal & nonverbal communication • Professionalism also involves the way you communicate. As you are probably aware, there are two types of communication that are equally important that you must be aware of. • Verbal • Using words, speaking out loud • Should be kind with pleasant tone • Nonverbal • Examples: • The distance you stand from the patient • Making eye contact • Facial expressions (smile or frown) • Do you seem interested, hurried, like you are listening? • Both must be communicated in a professional way

7. Confidentiality • Professionalism also involves confidentiality. It is a health care professionals legal and ethical duty. It includes: • Keeping medical information private • limiting the disclosure of nonpublic information • Following laws • In 1996 Congress enacted HIPAA . HIPAA patient privacy & data security rules were developed by the Department of Health and Human Services . They went into effect in 2003. • Confidentiality is achieved through silence, discretion, and data security. • What must be kept confidential: • Patient info, facility info, co-worker info, etc…

8. Knowledge & lifelong learning • The ability to communicate knowledge to the patient in terms they are familiar with & understand • Being able to apply knowledge in the workplace to produce quality work • Commitment to self improvement • Master new knowledge • Use it, practice it • Continuing education • Lifelong learning

9. Actions and attitude • Actions and attitude play an important role in professionalism. Consider some of the following areas in this category: • Leaving personal life, obligations, issues, etc…. at home • Admit ting when you are wrong/make mistake • Supervising the work of your peers • Time management • Decision making • Negotiation • Compromise • Conflict resolution • Self confidence • Sense of mission • Accountability

10. Actions & attitude with many different people and situations • As a healthcare workers, you have to be able to act professionally and have a professional attitude when dealing with many different types of people and situations. Some of these to be aware of are: • Death & dying • Gender • Culture • Religion • Race • Physical limitations • Poor hygiene • Age

11. Who is affected by professionalism or a lack there of? • Although the obvious answer is the patient or yourself. There are other people that may be affected including: • Administration • Patients • Family of patients • Co-workers • Facility • Program directors • Instructors • Mentors • Clinical coordinators • When someone chooses to be professional it can affect all of these people in a positive way. When someone chooses to be unprofessional, it can affect all of these people in a negative way.

12. The Cost of being Unprofessional • When one chooses to be unprofessional, the risks are high and the consequences tough including: • Loss of job, certification, or license • No raise or promotion • Example of being Unprofessional • “Personally I have had experiences with many people who were professional and many people who were not. For example I have been at medical offices where the doctor in charge was rude, indifferent and arrogant. I can tell you that reflected poorly in my confidence in his ability. So it is important to be well rounded and not to neglect any one aspect of one’s self. You could probably say a spirit of excellence is required to portray professionalism; be well organized, groomed, alert and courteous!”

13. At this point you have learned what professionalism is and what it involves. Now you have to ask yourself: Will I chose to be professional in the healthcare environment? Professionalism may be a choice, but is a choice you want to make every time. The consequences are huge if you don’t choose professionalism!

14. Bibliography Allen, A. (2008). Confidentiality: An expectation in health care. University of Pennsylvania Law School Nellco. Retrieved September 20, 2010, from http://lsr.nellco.org/upenn_wps/195 Blumenthal, D. (n.d.). The vital role of professionalism in health care reform. Retrieved September 15, 2010, from http://elearning.linnbenton.edu/ file.php/106/moddata/forum/453/52058/Professionalism Kassirer, J.P. (1993). The quality of care and the quality of measuring it. The New England Journal of Medicine, 329. Phelps, C.E. (1993). The methodologic foundations of studies of the appropriateness of medical care. The New England Journal of Medicine, 329. Professionalism. (2010). Dictionary.com. Retrieved September 20, 2010, from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/professionalism Professionalism. (1856). Merriam Webster. Retrieved September 20, 2010, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professionalism Tolley Gurley, L., & Callaway, W. J. (2002). Introduction to radiologic technology fifth edition. Missouri: Mosby, Inc.