5 Tips For Professionalism in the Healthcare Profession

Date: March 1, 2019

Even in the most welcoming work environments, healthcare, by and large, is an industry valuing precision–with literal tolerance for what is sloppy. “Close enough” or “whoops” are not negotiable medical maxims. For instance, a patient couldn’t care less how your Saturday night went if you put them at risk for infection. Pupils entering healthcare do well to clearly understand the advantages (even leveraging qualities) of maintaining professionalism. 

One definition of professionalism is: “The skill, good judgment, and polite behavior expected from a person trained to do a job well.”¹ 

Within academics, professionalism can manifest itself in one’s self-view, relationship with instructors, and overall peer standing. Undeniably, professionalism has benefits both as a student now and as a caregiver later. For this reason, we’ve unpacked some tangible ways to promote professionalism while a student.  

 1, Be on Time 

First, be on time–or even a bit ahead of schedule if you can manage it. If you hope to work in an emergency center or a trauma unit, good enough isn’t arriving a half hour late because you wanted to stop for pizza. 

Additionally, many practical things happen just “before the bell.” For instance, a question similar to the one stumping you might inadvertently be answered by a peer. Real-life study tips–glossaries, where to look in the book, the meaning of the teacher’s notes, etc., are often shared. Additionally, a bit of dialogue between you and the professor just before they step up to the lectern makes you human—not just a grade number. (This often doesn’t hurt.)

Additionally, punctuality means you can manage your schedule and deadlines rather than the other way around—they control you! 

Remember, another reason to be punctual is that your professor may one day be an essential job reference. If your reference can’t honestly tell a future employer you’re on time and meet your commitments; this could be a deal-breaker for your dream job.

2, Be Neat

Second, in medicine, appearance matters. Compare Daffy Duck or a cartoon caricature to a business-like person wearing a white jacket and holding a stethoscope. Which one do you want, conducting your MRI or taking your blood? 

Whether justly or not, healthcare workers are judged differently than the public. Within healthcare practices, appearance equates to competency. Your image should communicate that you take the profession seriously. Simultaneously, visual appropriateness conveys you respect yourself and those around you.

Perhaps late-night study sessions and work-life balances leave you most often in sweats and hoodies? Rest assured, you don’t need a black tie or a white buttoned shirt to be scholarly. Even a busy student can achieve essential neatness and order. Moreover, even a low-maintenance look can signal you came to class and clinical spaces to think and learn. 

So, clean the scrubs. Wash that hoodie. Sit up straight. Smile. 

3, Ask Questions But Don’t Over Talk 

Third, ask good questions. No one constantly wants to be the guy in the front row with his hand up. Still worse, nobody aspires to ask questions about the content just covered–revealing you’ve entirely checked out of the lecture. 

Additionally, we’ve all heard maxims such as, “There’s no such thing as a dumb question.” However, students know there are most undoubtedly dumb–even dumber questions.

Instances like those above often prevent students from seeking solutions or understanding missing links. Because learning is a “give and take sport,” questions are essential to the process. If you’re confused about navigating Q&As, strive instead to strike a balance for good, appropriate questions. The following reminders may help you. 

• Be humble enough to learn–really learn. 
• Others often have similar questions and are glad a classmate broke the ice to ask.
• Questions on the subject can be planned. Cliff notes and flashcards may help you thoughtfully prepare.
• For a subject overview, read course content ahead of class time.
• Make a habit of using Google, YouTube, and other online materials. These familiarize you with pronouncing vocabulary words for framing good questions.
• Even if you don’t understand everything, keep your brain engaged during class to keep pace.
• Don’t be above availing yourself of tutoring and mentorship.

4, Dive In/Get Involved 

Fourth, volunteer. Recognize that instruction occurs beyond the whiteboard. Take, for example, that annual nurses’ retreat, the upcoming career fair, or an FAQ with a famous alumnus. These are as valuable as classroom time.

Beyond “the right thing to do,” staying involved “puts money in the bank” for when you need to phone in a favor. Ultimately, networking with professionals and fellow students provides a supportive college climate for students and teachers alike.

A story is told of a student arriving early to class to ask a pertinent question. The professor didn’t have time to explain because she was unloading materials. Seeing the need, the student volunteered to help her. However, the task took an entire hour, and the question went unanswered. The professor still gave this student an A on the assignment. 

While you should never expect the above result, staying involved adds to one’s baseline education and fosters an overall supportive learning culture. 

Take every opportunity to align with and immerse yourself in your future vocational community. The excellent news is healthcare has no end to community involvement. These include professional societies, niche clubs, volunteering venues, blood drives, wellness fairs, and other good causes. 

5, Forget the Tricks of the Trade–Instead, Learn the Trade

Fifth, learn the trade–really learn the trade. Would you trust a surgeon with fast tricks, hasty reminder bullets, and half-knowledge if you needed brain surgery? Or would you prefer the medical personnel who had put in copious effort studying every portion of the human brain? No one picks the person that barely “squeaked by.” Instead, patients opt for the wellness worker who’s exhausted their learning field.

Chances are you’ve already committed significant time and resources to your academic program. Why not give it everything you’ve got? The world is full enough of corner cutters and overnight “masters.” Instead, let go of instant campaigns and work toward truly understanding your discipline. 

Ultimately, going beyond your expected trajectory shows you love your major enough to learn it well. It also displays your respect for your future patients because you give them the proper preparation they will need and deserve. 

You’ll Be That Much Ahead

In summary, practicing professionalism as a student now gives you a leg up for a professional career later. If you haven’t yet picked a professional pathway, chances are we have a vocational route just for you! See Gurnick Academy Healthcare program offerings here.~ 

Citations:
¹ Merriam-Webster. “Defining Professionalism.” Www.queensu.ca, Teaching, and Learning in Higher Education, 2004. (Accessed October 27, 2022).

Categories:

• Nursing