PROFESSIONALISM

Professionalism is in the eye of the beholder…

WHOM YOU CONSIDER AS PROFESSIONAL?

Professional is judged through:• Our Image• Our Communication• Our Competence• Our Demeanor

From the Patient’s Perspective• Trustworthy• Competent• Empathetic• Respectful• Caring

Crossing Professional Boundaries• Non-therapeutic relationships• Inappropriate communication• Inappropriate self-disclosure• Exploitation – money, gifts• Breaches of confidentiality

Expectations of Professional Team Members

• Functional Trust• Mutual Respect• Open Communication

• Competent• Trustworthy• Respectful• Act with Integrity• Considerate• Empathetic

Professionals are:

• Courteous• Dependable• Cooperative• Committed

Professionals are:

Professional BehaviorsThe Basics:

Show up at work everyday, and on timeMaintain good hygieneDress appropriatelyFollow the rulesMake sure you understand that your

employer expects a “full day’s work for a full day’s pay”

Professional BehaviorsAbility to Communicate (verbal and

written):Be an efficient and accurate communicator—

poor spelling and grammar label you as less than competent

Skill at grasping ideas:How well you understand directions and apply

common sense is another important aspect of your overall success

Professional BehaviorsGood Interpersonal Skills: Are

you a team player? Do you understand the team approach? A service mind-set will make you more accessible to your co-workers and your families

Flexibility: Are you afraid of change? How receptive are you to new situations?

Professional BehaviorsInitiative:

Do you take responsibility for your actions or do you blame others? A problem solving approach is a valuable asset

Energy Level:Can’t function without your coffee?

Demonstrate a desire and a capacity to move things ahead

Professional BehaviorsPositive Attitude:

How well do you get along with others? This may be a key factor in determining your contribution to the team

Remember...Leave your personal problems at the door!

Attitude & Demeanor• Smile!• Stand tall• Make eye contact• Greet others with a firm handshake

• Be enthusiastic

Communication & Image

• Communication: Handle disagreements with diplomacy

Speak face to face with people Respect cultural differences Give good feedback Listen

• Image• Appearance• Sharpen social skills• Positive attitude• Do not point fingers or be irresponsible

Competence, Appearance, Behavior

• Competence Use problem solving to help solve a problem

Remember what people tell you when they help you

Be serious about mistakes made• Appearance

Dress to Impress Follow dress code for the company/business you work for

• Behavior Be kind Polite Considerate

Unprofessional Behavior

• Arguing in front of customers, clients, and families

• Insults, verbal comments, or criticism intended to belittle or berate others

• Verbal outbursts• Conduct that can be considered harassment or discrimination

• Verbal threats of violence, retribution, or lawsuits

• Physical actions or threats towards others

Caring For YourselfIf you don’t take good care of

yourself, you can’t possibly provide good care to others. Be sure you:Get enough sleep each nightHave a substitute caregiver lined up

in case of emergency or illness; take regular breaks

Every morning, find something positive to say about yourself; remind yourself that what you do is important, and that you are a professional

Exercise regularlyQuit smoking, or at least cut down

Caring For YourselfEat regular meals from all

five food groupsMAKE time for your

friends and hobbiesAvoid listening to people

with a negative and unpleasant outlook

Do something for yourself that is NOT related to childcare or children in any way

Don’t take on all the problems of all the children in the world; accept the things you cannot change

Remember: If you care for yourself, you will be better able to care for others