Crossing Professional Boundaries• Non-therapeutic relationships• Inappropriate communication• Inappropriate self-disclosure• Exploitation – money, gifts• Breaches of confidentiality
• Competent• Trustworthy• Respectful• Act with Integrity• Considerate• Empathetic
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