Professionalism in the Professionalism in the workplaceworkplace

For students participating in For students participating in the Shadowing Externshipthe Shadowing Externship

What is professionalism?What is professionalism?• A set of internalized character strengths A set of internalized character strengths

and values directed toward high quality and values directed toward high quality service to others through one’s workservice to others through one’s work

• Inner-strengthInner-strength• Sound judgmentSound judgment• Know-howKnow-how• Business savvyBusiness savvy• Mature responsibilityMature responsibility• Problem solving perseveranceProblem solving perseverance• IngenuityIngenuity• classclass

AppearanceAppearance• Well-groomedWell-groomed• NeatNeat• Proper attireProper attire

– NoNo jeans, shorts, revealing tops, sleeveless tops, jeans, shorts, revealing tops, sleeveless tops, etcetc

– Guys: slacks and polo/button-down shirtGuys: slacks and polo/button-down shirt– Ladies: slacks, skirts (knees or below)Ladies: slacks, skirts (knees or below)– Comfortable closed toe dress shoes (no sneakers Comfortable closed toe dress shoes (no sneakers

or sandals)or sandals)– Scrubs may be ok, ask the Health care professionalScrubs may be ok, ask the Health care professional

• Solid color, matching top and bottomSolid color, matching top and bottom

Self-RespectSelf-Respect• Be conscious that your work reflects Be conscious that your work reflects

your inner characteryour inner character• Strive for excellenceStrive for excellence• Do not view it as just “a job”Do not view it as just “a job”• Be task-oriented and service-orientedBe task-oriented and service-oriented

Respect the experienceRespect the experience• Learn from itLearn from it• Improve yourself and skillsImprove yourself and skills• Seek out adviseSeek out advise

Personal ResponsibilityPersonal Responsibility• Respect others rightsRespect others rights• Know your boundaries/limitsKnow your boundaries/limits• Do not meddle in others affairsDo not meddle in others affairs• No gossipNo gossip• Do not handle personal interests at “work”Do not handle personal interests at “work”• No drinking on the “job”No drinking on the “job”• No foul languageNo foul language• No sexual harassmentNo sexual harassment• Turn off cell phones and pagersTurn off cell phones and pagers

Time-ManagementTime-Management• SHOW UP ON TIME (Be Punctual)SHOW UP ON TIME (Be Punctual)

– Leave enough time for trafficLeave enough time for traffic– Arrive earlyArrive early– Call immediately if you cannot make-itCall immediately if you cannot make-it

• Make efficient use of resources and timeMake efficient use of resources and time– Ask questionsAsk questions– Take notesTake notes

• Meet all deadlinesMeet all deadlines

Telephone etiquetteTelephone etiquette• Speak with a normal, pleasant, Speak with a normal, pleasant,

courteous voicecourteous voice• Identify yourselfIdentify yourself• Leave brief, clear messagesLeave brief, clear messages• Return phone calls promptlyReturn phone calls promptly• No personal callsNo personal calls

ConfidentialityConfidentiality• All patients, cases and files are to be kept All patients, cases and files are to be kept

strictly confidential if you have accessstrictly confidential if you have access• Do not discuss patient status/well-being Do not discuss patient status/well-being

with others (friends, family, etc), with others (friends, family, etc), especially at the health care facilityespecially at the health care facility

• Make sure you ask about the Make sure you ask about the confidentiality policies within the facilityconfidentiality policies within the facility

• Do not discuss/reveal any diagnosis with Do not discuss/reveal any diagnosis with the patients or family members…YOU ARE the patients or family members…YOU ARE NOT THE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER!NOT THE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER!

Mandatory: Copy and paste Mandatory: Copy and paste into a word document. Print , into a word document. Print , sign and return to SC 136sign and return to SC 136Professionalism Workshop ContractProfessionalism Workshop Contract

I ____________________________ clearly I ____________________________ clearly understand the terms and conditions understand the terms and conditions of the Professionalism Workshop and of the Professionalism Workshop and will act accordingly during my will act accordingly during my shadowing Externship. shadowing Externship.

SignatureSignature DateDate