Professionalism in the workplace has many factors such as dress, conduct, how well you communicate with others, and your attitude. “The definition of professionalism indicates that each person perform their tasks with general earnest and honesty (Staffing, 2013). ” “It refers to a person doing his/her job with sincerity, and maintaining professional etiquette and ethics in the workplace (Staffing, 2013). ”
There are many other things that also go hand in hand with professionalism such as being on time, teamwork, and knowing when not to share too much. I ill talk about professionalism throughout my paper and how to be professional in the workplace as a nurse. It doesn’t matter what profession you are in, most jobs don’t require a suit and tie. But most jobs have a dress code. Wearing tank tops, flip flops, shorts and revealing clothes is inappropriate attire in most professions. “A wrinkled suit looks no better than a ripped pair of jeans (McKay). ”
There are many things you can do to show professionalism. Showing up for work on time. This includes when you first start work and when you’re coming back from your breaks. Showing up late for work or meetings gives the impression that you don’t care about your job, so make sure you pay attention to the clock (McKay). “It is very important to have a positive attitude in the work place. It shows leadership when you’re able to stay calm and positive during stressful situations. “Friendliness and understanding go a long way in creating an atmosphere of teamwork (Staffing, 2013). ” “Maintain a positive can do attitude even during stressful situations (Staffing, 2013). ” “Leave your bad mood at the door when you come to work (McKay). ”
“Remember not to take it out on your boss, your coworkers and especially your ustomers (McKay). ” “Negativity at work brings everyone down and your boss will certainly not appreciate a drop in morale among his or her employees (McKay). ” You shouldn’t discuss personal issues with employees or with customers. “While personal issues will be considered by management when required, employees need to refrain from discussing it during office hours (Staffing, 2013). ” If you do decide to discuss personal issues make sure you do it away from customers and clients. Try to be a leader at work without being disrespectful or bossy. Saying please and thank you goes a long way.
Make sure to help out your coworkers when they ask, to show good teamwork. If you are too busy let them know that as soon as you finish a certain task you will jump in and help them. The career I have chosen is nursing. It is a must as an educated person working close with patients to show professionalism at all times. It is important to take this role very seriously no matter where you work because anything can happen in a second. The nursing field is very inconsistent and no day is the same as the next. Every patient is different and you have to adapt to different values, morals, language, religion, and cultures.
When it comes to nursing first impressions start with appearance (Wilson, Giddens 2013). “Modest dress, clean fingernails, and neat hair are imperative (Wilson, Giddens 2013). ” “Avoid extremes in dress and manner so appearance does not become an obstacle or a distraction to the patient’s responses (Wilson, Giddens 2013). ” The way you communicate with your patient is important. You want to have a warm professional demeanor. “Your attitude can inhibit communication (Wilson, Giddens 2013). ” “You don’t want to display a too laid-back attitude, it can show lack of confidence (Wilson, Giddens 2013).
In nursing nonverbal behavior is as important as words (Wilson, Giddens 2013). Another important professional example in nursing is to be aware of who is around when interviewing your patient. Patients often come to appointments accompanied by others. It doesn’t matter who the other person is, you always want to ask them to leave the room before discussing your patient’s health. “The nurse should obtain the patient’s permission for them to remain in the room during the interview (Wilson, Giddens 2013). ” Having another individual in the room can be distracting and affect the patient’s responses to health questions.
For example, sometimes a parent, spouse, or friend answers questions for the patient (Wilson, Giddens 2013). ” This can be intimidating and dominating to the patient. You as the nurse need to be able to tell the other individual that you would like there patient to answer the questions. If this doesn’t work you may ask them to leave the room until the interview process is over. There are many cultural differences to accommodate and adapt to in the nursing profession. “Patient-centered care is provided when nurses develop cultural competence to identify cultural factors that may influence patient’s beliefs about health and illness (Wilson,
Giddens 2013). ” Try not to discriminate against patient’s culture, beliefs, values, race and religion. “However, remember that all individuals within a specific cultural group do not think and behave in a similar manner (Wilson, Giddens 2013). ” “The nurse should ask patients about experiences that illustrate what has been of value to them and that characterize their culture (Wilson, Giddens 2013). ” Medical errors are common in the nursing field. No one is perfect and we are human so we make mistakes. It is important to come forward and admit your mistakes so that action can be taken to fix it.
Never blame others but set an example for those who are also responsible to do as you’ve done. (Wilson, Giddens 2013). ” “A true professional is upfront (Wilson, Giddens 2013). ” People tend to understand more when you are being honesty. In conclusion all of these professional tips will work in any work place setting. So next time you go for an interview, or your interviewing your patient, ask yourself…. Would you hire you, would you want you taking care of you? Following these guidelines will help you to be more professional employee in whatever profession you choose.