ProfessionalismWhat does it mean?

Jan Mlodzikowski, RN, BSN, CNN, CCM, AATCM

Objectives

1. Define professionalism2. Recognized obligations and values of a professional.3. Understand what is expected from a Professional 4. Define Professional Boundaries

Professionalism

Merriam-Webster defines professionalism• the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a

profession or a professional person • the following of a profession for gain or livelihood

What does it mean to be a member of a Profession?

• The words "profession" and "professional" come from the Latin word "professio," which means a public declaration with the force of a promise.

• Professions are groups which declare in a public way that their members promise to in certain ways and that the group and the society may discipline those who fail to do so.

• A profession presents itself to society as a social benefit and society accepts the profession, expecting it to serve some important social goal. The profession usually issues a code of ethics stating the standards by which its members can be judged. The traditional professions are medicine, law, education and clergy.

The marks of a profession are:

• competence in a specialized body of knowledge and skill;

• an acknowledgment of specific duties and responsibilities toward the individuals it serves and toward society;

• the right to train, admit, discipline and dismiss its members for failure to sustain competence or observe the duties and responsibilities.

What are the recognized obligations and values of a

professional?Professionalism requires that the practitioner strive for excellence in the

following areas

Accountability Courteous Excellence Respectful Duty Competent Honor and integrity Dependable

Trustworthy Committed Respect for self and for others

These values should provide guidance for promoting professional behavior and become part of the attitudes, behaviors, and skills integral to patient care.

How is professionalism judged?

• Your Communication • Your Image • Your Competence • Your Demeanor

Professionalism is in the eye of the beholder

How do your patients see YOU?

Definition of a Professional Boundary

• Boundaries are the limits that allow for safe connections between individuals.

• Our understandings of what are acceptable boundaries grow out of our family of origin.

• Boundaries are mutually understood, unspoken physical and emotional limits of the relationship between the patient and the Healthcare provider

Key Points of Professional Boundaries

• The ethical considerations between you and your patients are of the greatest importance, because there needs to be trust and comfort felt by the patient.

• How a patient interprets the things you say and do is not always anywhere near what you meant to communicate.

• You as the healthcare provider are always in the position of power and knowledge.

• The Healthcare Provider - Patient relationship by definition is one of unequal powers.

• The Healthcare Provider - patient relationship is especially vulnerable to abuse.

• The Healthcare Providers best serves their patients by acting as advocates and fostering their patients’ rights to receive good health care.

• We have an obligation to honor our duty to our patient, our profession and society

ProfessionalismWhat does it mean?

• A quote from David Maister states that professionalism is “believing passionately in what you do, Never compromising your standards and values, Caring about your clients, your people and your own career”.

This is a fantastic quote, but what does that really mean?

• Producing quality work: Professionals aren’t satisfied with simply completing the task–they desire to deliver the highest quality possible.

• Maximizing knowledge: Professionals stay abreast of the constant changes in their field.

• Being innovative: Professionals are creative and use this ability to solve problems in new ways.

• Showing constant improvement: Professionals are always trying to improve upon their solution.

• Seeking additional or greater responsibility: Professionals seek greater control over what they do, and accepting greater responsibility is a means to this end.

So now the Question is this:

How professional are you?

References• Albert R. Jonsen, PhD

Emeritus Professor of Ethics in Medicine With Clarence H. Braddock III, MD, MPH and Kelly A. Edwards, MA, 1998, University of Washington. All Rights Reserved.

• Shelvy L. Campbell, MS, EdS, ABD Dedriell D. Taylor, MS, EdS, Professionalism in the Workplace power point found on internet.

• Merriam-Webster - http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professionalism

• DC Live, 3578 Hartsel Dr. Unit E, #414, Colorado Springs CO 80920,http://www.dconline.cc/DCLive_Intro_Page.htm

• David Maister. http://davidmaister.com

• Defining professionalism in IT, By Scott Withrow, Builder.com on January 7th, 2005