copyright © 2006 mosby, inc. all rights reserved. slide 1 chapter 3 work ethics

Copyright © 2006 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. Slide 1

Chapter 3Work Ethics


Ethics deals with right conduct and wrong conduct. Work ethics deals with behavior in the workplace.


HEALTH, HYGIENE, AND APPEARANCE

Your health Diet Sleep and rest Body mechanics Exercise Your eyes Smoking Drugs Alcohol


Hygiene and appearance Bathe daily. Use deodorant or antiperspirant. Brush your teeth. Shampoo often. Keep fingernails clean, short, and neatly shaped. Menstrual hygiene is important. Look neat, clean, and professional.


GETTING A JOB

Ways to find out about jobs Newspaper classified ads Local state employment service Agencies you would like to work at Phone book yellow pages People you know The Internet Your school’s or college’s job placement counselors Your clinical experience site


Employers want employees who: Are dependable Are well groomed Have the needed job skills and training Have values and attitudes that fit with the agency Have the qualities and traits for good work ethics


Guidelines for completing a job application Read and follow the directions. Write neatly. Complete the entire form. Report any felony arrests or convictions as directed. Give information about employment gaps. Tell why you left a job, if asked. Provide references.


Be prepared to provide the following:• Social security number• Proof of citizenship or legal residence• Proof of required training and competency evaluation• Identification

Give honest responses.


The job interview Greet the interviewer in a polite manner. Stand until asked to take a seat. Sit in a professional manner. Look at the interviewer. Watch your body language. Give complete and honest answers. Speak clearly and with confidence. Avoid short and long answers. Review the job description with the interviewer.


When you accept a job, agree on a starting date, pay rate, and work hours.

New employee orientation The policy and procedure manual is reviewed. Your skills are checked. You are shown how to use the agency’s supplies

and equipment. Preceptor programs are common.


PREPARING FOR WORK

Plan for childcare When you leave for work While you are at work Before you get home During emergencies

Transportation Plan for how to get to and from work. Always have a back‑up plan.


TEAMWORK ON THE JOB

Attendance Report to work when scheduled and on time. Follow the agency’s attendance policies. Be ready to work when your shift starts. Stay the entire shift.


Your attitude Show that you enjoy your work. Listen to others. Be willing to learn. Stay busy. Use your time well. Always think before you speak.

Gossip Avoid being part of gossip.


Confidentiality Patient and resident information is confidential. Agency and co‑worker information is confidential. Avoid eavesdropping.

Hygiene and appearance Home and social attire is often improper at work. Clothing must not be tight, revealing, or sexual. Follow the agency dress code.


Speech and language Do not swear or use foul, vulgar, or abusive language. Do not use slang. Control the volume and tone of your voice. Speak clearly. Do not shout or yell. Do not fight or argue with the person, family, or

co‑workers.


Courtesies Address others by Miss, Mrs., Ms., Mr., or Doctor. Begin or end each request with “please.” Say “thank you” whenever someone does something

for you. Apologize when you make a mistake or hurt

someone. Hold doors open for others. Hold elevator doors open for others. Let patients, residents, families, and visitors enter

elevators first.


Personal matters You could lose your job for tending to personal

matters at work. Keep personal matters out of the workplace. Wait until break or lunch to make personal calls.

Meals and breaks Leave for and return from breaks on time. Tell the nurse when you leave and return to the unit.


Planning your work Follow the nurse’s directions. Check the Kardex and the care plan. Use your assignment sheet to plan your care. Set priorities. Do the most important tasks first. Organize your care but be flexible. Gather needed equipment. Handle problems before they grow.


Problem Solving Steps

Identify the problem Collect information List possible solutions Make a decision Plan and take action


HARASSMENT

Harassment means to trouble, torment, offend, or worry a person by one’s behavior or comments. Harassment is not legal in the workplace.

Sexual harassment involves unwanted sexual behaviors by another. Victims of sexual harassment may be men or women.

• Men harass women or men.• Women harass men or women.


RESIGNING FROM A JOB

Do not leave a job without notice. Giving 2‑weeks’ notice is a good practice.

Include the following in your written notice: Your reason for leaving The last date you will work Comments thanking the employer


LOSING A JOB

You must perform your job well and protect patients and residents from harm. Otherwise you could lose your job.

copyright © 2006 mosby, inc. all rights reserved. slide 1 chapter 3 work ethics

Documents

good work ethics slide

clinical experience

work plan

work hours

job application

job ways

job interview

job description