Definition Of Professionalism

The topic of professionalism seems quite broad and daunting. It is hard to describe in a sweet little sentence or even a three paged double spaced paper. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition of professionalism is, “the skill, the judgement, and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well (2015).” So what does that mean? Professionalism is many things to many people and may include the way we behave and the actions we make. Key to exhibiting professionalism is maintaining a positive attitude that shows respect and acceptance towards others at all times and under all circumstances.
A positive attitude creates an environment that helps cheer people up and make life a little easier at the workplace. We
Working hard and completing your job thoroughly shows fellow employees that you are fully engaged and share in the same goal of giving the best possible care to your patients. It also shows that you respect your fellow coworkers by exhibiting that you will shoulder an equitable share of the workload. This also shows respect to your employer and lets your employer know that you care about your job and that you want to reflect the best of your employer. Listening to others and being fully present is another way to show respect (Potter, et al., 2015). For a patient, this may mean getting away from behind the computer and focusing your attention directly towards the patient by facing towards them. This conveys that you are paying attention and actively listening to their concerns. . When attentively listening, you should avoid finishing their sentences and consider restating what was said to validate that you understand what it important to the patient. Listening also includes clarifying anything that was said that you did not understand (Morrison-Valfre, 2013). Showing presence is also another form of communication that conveys your commitment to providing quality care. It shows the person that you are there for them. You can show presence by letting the patient know you have time for them and not asking questions from the doorway or otherwise expressing impatience (Potter, et al., 2015). It also allows you to pick up on communication cues that may not be expressed verbally. These nonverbal cues can be very important for the nurse to pick up and may help them identify something that they may have missed before (Morrison-Valfre, 2013). Showing respect allows people to feel comfortable knowing that they will be treated well and that they will be