Ten Tips for Professionalism in a Hospital Work Environment
Career News May 8, 2013A good bedside manner is one of the essential qualities for working in a hospital. The other is that you must have professional behavior at all times. This also refers to your appearance whenever you are on the job or attending events related to your job. It does not matter if you work in a hospital, a private clinic or a physician’s office; in order to be successful, you must be professional. Professionalism is perhaps more significant in the medical field than any other due to the element of trust that has to exist between staff and patients, as well as between the members of the staff. You have to be able to comfort the patients who are ill.
It is difficult to always be professional on the job. Patients and colleagues can be difficult, but the nature of the medical professions requires that you have to put everything else aside. Paying attention to your appearance, how you interact with others and the way in which you impart medical knowledge to patients are all beneficial. It shows that you take pride in your work.
Qualities of professionalism that are vital to those working in health care are:
Showing Respect and Kindness
In order to make a good impression, the staff of a hospital should display kindness and respect, smiling often, being polite and talking to patients and staff in a respectful way. Your personal life should not be brought to work with you regardless of how much frustration and stress you are feeling.
Show Pride
It does not matter how long you have been on a shift; you should demonstrate pride in your job at all times. This includes the way you approach your tasks and the way in which you interact with everyone around you.
Always Consider the Patient
You should never forget the patient’s feelings. They are there due to the fact that they are ill, and it is natural for them not to feel great. They may be uncomfortable, afraid, frustrated or in pain. Sometimes they may feel that their needs are being ignored. You should always respect the opinion of your patients.
Exceptional Bedside Manner
One of the most noteworthy characteristics of any hospital employees is their bedside manner. This is the way in which you develop a bond and trust with the patient. Listen to the patient and respond in a professional way. Respect their questions and attend to their concerns. At the same time, you have to establish professional boundaries and not let yourself get too close to the patient.
Clear Communication
The medical field is one in which communication is essential since nurses interact with their colleagues and patients throughout the day. Communication should be honest to avoid mistakes and misunderstandings. You should avoid gossip and inappropriate behavior. Clear handwriting along with correct grammar, punctuation and spelling should be used in updating charts and completing forms.
Work as a Team
Medical staff works in a team environment and being a productive member is one of the ways to show your professionalism. Respect colleagues by requesting shift changes since personal issues do arise and step in when there is a shortage of staff. It is essential to work with all the professionals involved in patient care.
Go Beyond What is Expected
Professionalism means that you will do the extra work needed to benefit your colleagues and your patients. This will also give you an opportunity to learn and enhance your skills by taking on more responsibility.
Be Willing to Learn
Advances in medicine and techniques mean that there is always something new to learn. Keep your knowledge and your skills up to date by engaging in continuing education. Keep your certificates up to date and take extra courses, if needed.
Look like a Professional
You should look professional as you go about your duties in a hospital. This means wearing the proper clothing and being clean and tidy. The first impression is the one that lasts the longest.
Take the Time to Listen
When you listen to a patient, make sure you are truly listening. Maintain eye contact and ask questions, which show you are listening to what this person has to say. Your body language can often signify that your mind is elsewhere, so be aware of this aspect.
