Professionalism in the Therapeutics Career cluster Medical Therapeutics Ms. Ashley Corbin RN, BSN Public relations is a responsibility of medical assistants. Professionalism is a part of being a medical assistant.

Learning Objectives Standard 2: Investigate and compare the range of skills, competencies and professional traits required for careers in the therapeutic field. Compare findings to current individual strengths and identify opportunities for personal development. At the conclusion of today’s class I CAN: Identify and define major characteristics of a healthcare professional through active participation in class discussion and attentiveness during lecture. Describe personal traits that will contribute to my success as a professional through personal reflection Evaluate areas of personal weakness that I will strive to improve upon over the course of the semester

What is Professionalism?

Characteristics of a Professional Accuracy Courtesy and respect Dependability Flexibility Commitment to lifelong learning Tact Accountability Positive attitude Personal appearance A medical assistant should possess the characteristics of a professional.

Accuracy Strive for accuracy in everything you do Adhere to Standards of Care Show dedication to quality and efficiency Avoid errors Ensure that the safety and well-being of patients come first When dealing with human beings, it does not pay to take shortcuts.

Courtesy and Respect Treat all patients and coworkers with courtesy and respect Display behaviors that are polite, considerate, and helpful Make eye contact Treat others with honor, esteem, and thoughtful consideration Treat others the way you desire to be treated.

Dependability Win trust and respect of others Be reliable and trustworthy Show consistent punctuality and performance Carry out duties in professional and timely manner A positive characteristic of a professional medical assistant is dependability.

Flexibility Often unexpected events occur at work Adapt to change “Think on your feet” Recognize problems and move quickly to solution Medical assistants must learn to “think on your feet” and be flexible.

Commitment to Lifelong Learning Profession of medical assisting is constantly changing Medications, technology, and procedures continue to improve Take part in workshops and college classes; read professional journals Earn continuing education units There are many ways a medical assistant can continue to learn and grow in the medical assistant profession.

Continuing Education Continue your education Attend workshops and college classes; read professional journals Keep track of your continuing education units (CEUs) The American Association of Medical Assistants ( AAMA) offers a variety of ways to continue education through CEUs.

Tact Ability to respond to others with sensitivity and courtesy so as not to be offensive Described as “very diplomatic” Think before you speak Use proper grammar and do not use slang Remember that once words leave the mouth, they cannot be taken back Another word for “tactful” is “diplomatic.”

Accountability https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZWf2_2L2v8 Responsible for one’s own actions Own up to errors Work positively to correct errors Create your own positive work environment A professional medical assistant takes responsibility for his or her own actions and works positively to correct errors.

Positive Attitude Employers value positive attitude in employees Notice own attitudes and set goals for positive change Solicit feedback to make changes Focus on the positive Attitudes are “contagious” A medical assistant with a positive attitude is a valuable employee. Positive attitudes are contagious. Employees like to work with others who have a positive attitude.

Personal Appearance Daily hygiene Makeup Jewelry Tattoos Hair Attire Medical assistants should dress professionally with a uniform that is neat, clean, and fits properly.

Attire in healthcare How can personal appearance standards in healthcare differ from those in other professions? Uniforms should be neat, clean, and fit properly. Shoes should be clean.

Barriers to Professionalism Bad habits Being reactive rather than proactive Bringing personal problems to work Rumors and gossip Medical assistants should strive to eliminate bad habits or barriers to professionalism. Avoid chewing gum at work. Speak clearly and professionally. Develop good organizational skills.

Social Media It’s all fun and games until it costs you your job….. If you wouldn’t be completely comfortable showing your boss what you post then don’t post it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N8A5LMlego

Personal Reflection List three strengths you hold that will make you a valuable member of a healthcare team and explain why. List three weaknesses that you can identify in yourself that need to be improved upon. How can you work to improve these traits?