PROFESSIONALISM

Professionalism is in the eye of

the beholder

WHOM YOU CONSIDER AS

PROFESSIONAL?

Professional is judged through:

Our
Our
Our
Our

Image
Communication
Competence
Demeanor

From the Patients Perspective

Trustworthy
Competent
Empathetic
Respectful
Caring

Crossing Professional Boundaries

Non-therapeutic relationships
Inappropriate communication
Inappropriate self-disclosure
Exploitation money, gifts
Breaches of confidentiality

Expectations of Professional Team

Members
Functional Trust
Mutual Respect
Open Communication

Professionals are:

Competent
Trustworthy
Respectful
Act with Integrity
Considerate
Empathetic

Professionals are:

Courteous
Dependable
Cooperative
Committed

Professional Behaviors
The Basics:
Show up at work everyday, and on time
Maintain good hygiene
Dress appropriately
Follow the rules
Make sure you understand that your

employer expects a full days work for

a full days pay

Professional Behaviors
Ability 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 Behaviors
Good Interpersonal Skills:

Are you
a team player? Do you understand the
team approach? A service mind-set will
make you more accessible to your coworkers and your families

Flexibility:

Are you afraid of change?

How receptive are you to new situations?

Professional Behaviors
Initiative:
Do you take responsibility for your

actions or do you blame others? A

problem solving approach is a valuable
asset
Energy Level:
Cant function without your coffee?

Demonstrate a desire and a capacity to

move things ahead

Professional Behaviors
Positive 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 Yourself

If you dont take good care of

yourself, you cant possibly

provide good care to others. Be
sure you:
Get enough sleep each night
Have 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 regularly

Caring For Yourself

Eat regular meals from all

five food groups

MAKE time for your
friends and hobbies
Avoid listening to people
with a negative and
unpleasant outlook
Do something for yourself
that is NOT related to
childcare or children in any
way
Dont take on all the
problems of all the children
in the world; accept the
things you cannot change
Remember: If you care