Professionalism in the Healthcare Field

Table of Contents

Cover Page…………………………………………………………………………Page 1
Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………Page 2
Outline of Report…………………………………………………………………..Page 3
Contributions Page………………………………………………………………..Page 4
Professionalism Report Main Text……………………………………………….Page 5,6,7
Glossary…………………………………………………………………………….Page 8
Bibliography………………………………………………………………………..Page 9

Outline:

I. What is professionalism?
II. The aspects of professionalism.
III. Weighing the cost of being unprofessional?
IV. Personal experiences with people who were professional and those who were not.
V. Professionalism to be or not to be?

Individual Contributions Page

I researched and wrote this paper so termed “Professionalism in Today’s Vernacular.” This includes the text main body, title page, outline, glossary and bibliography. Accordingly, I also helped to coordinate the remaining group of students catching them up to speed on the professionalism group project. I also contributed terms and ideas to the power point group project which includes saving the document to memory and helping to make copies. Additionally, I will make the opening statements and give a verbal presentation on the first section.

Professionalism can be defined in many different ways and from many different perspectives. As defined by today’s vernacular it can defined as an awareness of the conduct, aims and qualities defining a given profession, familiarity with professional codes of ethics, and understanding of ethical schools of thought, patient professional interaction models, and patient rights (Towsley-Cook and Young 8). Professionalism means being the very best you can be. This mindset or set of values is conveyed to everyone around you and your workplace both on and off the job. Additionally, your attitude is also a direct reflection of who you are. Moreover, the way you treat your staff and co-workers is a mirror reflection of your level of professionalism. Another prime example would be what you say about your company, medical program or workplace while away from the site will give other’s a great insight into your professionalism. In reality almost everything you do is a reflection good or bad (Gage 2007).

There are many aspects to professionalism. It is important to understand that professionalism is verbal and it is nonverbal it can also be physical or non physical. The impact of the first impression speaks volumes of a person and is not easily erased. So it is always important to be your best and project yourself in a positive manner. Within thirty seconds people will from an opinion of who they think you are. This will include but is not limited to your: economical level, educational level, trustworthiness, social position, level of sophistication, social and educational heritage, success in current and previous endeavors, moral character and if they like you (Gage 2007)! A young professional must also realize nonverbal cues speak volumes also about who you are. This would include the way you dress your apparel does it fit properly is it too tight, does it match, is it clean and pressed, is it appropriate for the situation? Another area of interest is mannerisms, for example body language. How close do you stand to one another, do you stand confidently or slouching? Eye contact is another big category, do you look at someone when there talking to you, do you pay attention? Facial expressions also are huge do you smile a lot or frown, do you look puzzled or knowledgeable. All these characteristics install confidence in the minds of the person or persons that we are dealing with on a daily basis. “According to study conducted at the University of California Los Angeles, fifty-five percent of what we communicate is in our body language. Only seven percent has to do with the words we use (Gage2007).” Workplace communication is another important aspect or indicator of professionalism. This would include communication on the phones, voice mail, email, written notes, letters and penmanship. It shouldn’t matter if patients or customers are around or not professionalism is twenty four hours a day seven days a week it’s an attitude or mindset that all young professionals should endeavor to acquire or be. When answering the phones try to answer by the third ring, identify yourself and the department you’re working in. Speak clearly and enunciate a loud clear manner and return calls as quickly as possible. When leaving a voicemail speak loudly, leave a clear and short message and identify yourself also leave your number twice so you’re not misunderstood. Avoid taking cell phone calls when with a co-worker or patient and don’t forget to turn off the cell phone totally when you’re in a meeting. Email messages should be kept short and to the point and replied with the original message in the body of the text. Netiquette remember nothing is private; if your message needs no response let the recipient know. A high level of professionalism will pay dividends in the long run and you will enjoy an increase in confidence and credibility from co-workers and patients and most of respect from others (Gage 2007).

The cost of being unprofessional can be high. In today’s society in the age of computers and detailed records a reputation is not easily overcome so it is important not to get a negative report from anyone. It has also been said the modern world is a very small place because of our high tech communications such as telephone, email etc. Especially in the medical field it can cost you your job, state license or worse yet even your certification. It can be the difference in a raise or even a promotion. So it is important to act in a professional manner at all times.

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 to handle my medical needs and handle my case with thoroughness and effectiveness. I reasoned how can a man with sound judgment function highly in one area and neglect so many others and not be aware of his surroundings? 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!
Professionalism to be or not to be; was there really ever any question no, of course not! Professionalism is a requirement of all, young and old alike. It behooves everybody to act in a professional manner at all times it can only have a positive effect on all of the individuals involved in any given situation and on any given day!

Glossary of Terms

Netiquette – a widely excepted system of manners and codes of conduct when using the internet or email.
Professionalism – an awareness of the conduct, aims and qualities defining a given profession, familiarity with professional codes of ethics, and understanding of ethical schools of thought, patient professional interaction models, and patient rights
Dividends – a resultant return or reward; an individual share of something distributed
Arrogant – exaggerating or disposed to exaggerate one’s own worth or importance often by an overbearing manner
Enunciate – to make a definite or systematic statement; to announce, proclaim, articulate, or pronounce
Sophistication – the process or result of becoming cultured, knowledgeable, or disillusioned; the process or result of becoming more complex, developed, or subtle
Heritage – property that descends to an heir; something transmitted by or acquired from a predecessor; something possessed as a result of one’s natural situation or birth
Ethics – the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation; a set of moral principles; a theory or system of moral values; the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group

Bibliography

Gage, K Professionalism in Your Workplace. Retrieved October 13, 2007, from Turningpoint presents.com Web site: http://www.turningpointpresents.com/pdfarticles/Professionalism_Workplace.PDF
Towsley-Cook, Doreen and Terese A. Young. Ethical and Legal Issues For Imaging Professionals. 2nd ed. St Louis, Missouri: Mosby Elsevier, 2007